Exposure to fine particulate matter caused by wildfires is associated with a significant increase in mental health–related emergency department (ED) visits, particularly among children, racial and ethnic minority groups, and women, according to a study issued today in JAMA Network Open.
“In 2020, California had the most severe wildfire season on record, with over 70% of the population enduring unhealthy air quality for over 100 days,” wrote Youn Soo Jung, Ph.D., of Stanford University, and colleagues.
The researchers analyzed data on 86,609 ED visits at California hospitals by state residents presenting for mental health conditions between July and December 2020 (average age 38 years, 46% female). Exposure to wildfire-specific fine particulate matter was determined based on patients’ ZIP codes. The mean daily concentration of wildfire-specific fine particulate matter increased from 0.44 to 24.9 micrograms per cubic meter during the peak wildfire period in September.
Each increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter in wildfire-specific fine particulate matter was associated with an 8% increase in all-cause mental health ED visits, a 15% increase in ED visits related to depression, and a 29% increase in visits for bipolar disorder or manic episode up to seven days after exposure. There was also a 6% increase in anxiety-related ED visits up to four days after exposure.
Additional findings included:
- Women were more likely than men to visit the ED for depression or bipolar disorder/manic episodes after exposure to wildfire smoke.
- The risk of ED visits for all mental health conditions was 35% higher per 10-point increase in wildfire-specific fine particulate matter among children ages 14 and younger than adults.
- Among racial groups, non-Hispanic Black individuals had the highest risk of ED visits for bipolar/manic episodes following exposure, while Hispanic individuals had the highest risk of ED visits for depression.
The authors noted that stress from evacuations and property loss may also contribute to increased ED visits. But in sensitivity analyses, the authors found similar trends in ED visits in areas with and without evacuation orders. “Overall, our subgroup analysis emphasizes the importance of strategies to ensure equal protection from wildfire exposure across demographic groups,” they wrote.
For related information, see the Psychiatric News article “Exploring the Mental Health Toll of the L.A. Wildfires” and the Psychiatric News Alert “Wildfire Smoke Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia.”
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/GomezDavid)
Advocacy Alert: Protect SAMHSA Funding
This week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced significant cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the Trump Administration’s reorganization of HHS and broader initiative to reduce government spending. These actions will inevitably lead to cutting programs and services that many people with mental health and substance use disorders depend on. Please urge Congress to protect SAMHSA programs within the new reorganization and continue the successful bipartisan collaboration to address mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use care in our country.