Wildfire Smoke’s Deep Health Scars Under Scrutiny

New Research Probes Genetic Impact on Vulnerable Populations

As smoke chokes communities, groundbreaking research from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine is dissecting wildfire smoke’s lasting health consequences. Funded by Genome BC, three new initiatives aim to illuminate how smoke affects our bodies at a genetic level, seeking to improve long-term care.

Unraveling Smoke’s Impact on the Next Generation

One project is investigating how prenatal exposure to wildfire disasters might alter gene expression in developing children. Researchers hope to pinpoint how this could elevate risks for respiratory ailments like asthma and allergies. This work is spearheaded by **Dr. Michael Kobor**, the Edwin S.H. Leong UBC Chair in Healthy Aging.

“With this research, we aim to better our understanding of the impacts of prenatal wildfire disaster exposure on the next generation. Early-life environments can have a lasting impact on people throughout the course of their lives, including on their health outcomes. We hope this work will help shape healthy futures for children as global temperatures rise and wildfires become increasingly common.”

—Dr. Michael Kobor, UBC Chair in Healthy Aging

Targeting COPD Sufferers

Another study focuses on individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a group particularly vulnerable to wildfire smoke. The research, led by **Dr. Don Sin** and **Dr. Graeme Koelwyn**, examines genomic shifts in immune cells of COPD patients to understand their response to smoke and to identify better treatments.

COPD affects over two million Canadians, costing the healthcare system an estimated $1.5 billion annually due to hospitalizations. Wildfire smoke can severely worsen symptoms for these patients.

Aeroallergens and Respiratory Health

A third initiative, co-led by **Dr. Emilia Lim** and **Dr. Min Hyung Ryu**, is examining the combined effects of wildfire smoke and amplified aeroallergens. These airborne allergens, often exacerbated by climate change, can prolong allergy seasons and pose significant risks, especially to those with pre-existing lung conditions.

“Aeroallergens are harmful to everyone, but people with lung conditions such as asthma, COPD and lung cancer survivors are at higher risk. It’s important to know how these groups are affected differently.”

—Dr. Emilia Lim, UBC Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

“Identifying populations that are susceptible to these changes can help us find better ways to prevent and treat respiratory diseases.”

—Dr. Min Hyung Ryu, UBC Professor of Respiratory Medicine

The findings from these projects, supported by Genome BC, are poised to inform public health strategies and improve the care for individuals most susceptible to the health impacts of environmental crises.