Michelle So, Contributing Photographer

Smoke from the Los Angeles wildfires has traveled over 950 miles, according to the latest satellite imagery. Now, scientists at the Yale School of Public Health are worried about future health impacts from the wildfires.

In a report titled “Wildfires, Compound Extreme Events, Climate Change, and Cardiovascular Health” published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, three researchers warned about the co-occurring and successive health consequences of climate disasters. The authors emphasized the cardiovascular effects attributed to wildfire smoke and offered strategies to anticipate and mitigate these risks.

“Our world is not conscious that it is happening. We are not just talking about the health impact for the future generation,” said Kai Chen, an associate professor at the School of Public Health and co-director of the Yale Center on Climate Change and Health. “No, it is happening now. It is not just affecting people far away, it is affecting the community that we are living in. It’s not just happening in the U.S., but worldwide.”

The report focuses on compound extreme events, which occur either at the same time or sequentially. One example Chen provided was the LA wildfires. Droughts throughout 2024 led to an accumulation of dry vegetation, which fueled stronger wildfires. The drought also depleted water resources, with fire hydrants drying out amid impossible demand.

According to Harlan Krumholz ’80, a cardiology professor at the School of Medicine, wildfire smoke, which carries a toxic mix of elements, can travel hundreds of miles, exposing populations far from the original fire. 

“Even more concerning, we are learning that these exposures can elevate health risks long after the initial exposure,” Krumholz wrote to the News.

Climate disasters elevate the risk of acute illnesses, such as heart attacks and strokes, and may also contribute to the development of chronic conditions, Krumholz wrote.

According to Chen, such disasters have a “ripple effect.” Power outages, medical supply shortages and infrastructure damage — secondary crises brought on by the initial disaster — can delay healthcare access for patients.

“People who have preexisting conditions like diabetes or hypertension might be more vulnerable during these [disasters],” Chen said. “When your body is already susceptible, being exposed to a secondary exposure or stress, the health impacts will be so much worse.”

Chen pointed out that climate disaster symptoms may manifest mentally as well. Heat and wildfire smoke can lead to increased depression, anxiety and even long-term mental health impacts.

Low-income communities are particularly vulnerable, Krumholz wrote. One recent study found that access to air conditioning and high-quality air filtration systems could reduce the risk of smoke-related illnesses.

Wildfires and other disasters can exacerbate health disparities, particularly in marginalized communities that often lack access to the tools and resources needed to protect themselves, such as high-efficiency masks or air filtration systems.

Secondary effects — such as the loss of housing, jobs and financial stability — can further elevate health risks.

Authors Chen, Krumholz and Yuan Lu concluded the report on a cautionary note.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat — it is a present reality with profound implications for cardiovascular health. As extreme events become more frequent and severe, the need for evidence-based interventions and coordinated responses has never been greater,” the authors wrote in the report. “Together, we can ensure that our field remains at the forefront of this critical issue, advancing both science and patient care.”

In 2024 alone, the United States sustained $27 billion in losses related to climate disasters.