"Are There Neurological Impacts of Exposure to a Burned Wildfire Site a" by Rubye Strickland

Date of Award

Fall 12-13-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Department

-- College of Arts and Sciences --

Advisor

Dr. Bethany O'Shea

Abstract

Wildfires are increasing with climate change, making the human health implications of exposure to burned soils an essential area of research. Metals associated with fire-impacted soils can be inhaled or accidentally ingested by surrounding communities, causing health risks. Several studies have evaluated the health impact of wildfires, but few have done so from a neurological perspective. This study explores metal changes in burned soils over time as a site naturally recovers from wildfire and how these changes may impact human neurological health. Soil samples were collected from the burned area 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the fire. Grain size, metal concentrations, and lung fluid digestion were analyzed. While some metals fluctuated after the fire, the only metal deemed to be a human health risk via inhalation was Mn. As Mn is a neurotoxin, the neurological impact of inhalation was assessed. The neurological health implications of wildfires are an essential area of research for the reduction of harm in the aftermath of wildfires.

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