Fact Sheets for Pediatric Health During and After the Fires
Dr. James Seltzer, co-director of the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit at UC Irvine, and colleagues created fact sheets for pediatricians and the public to help children avoid environmental health hazards caused by the California wildfires. Produced during the 2007 fires, they address health concerns both during and after a large-scale fire. For their effort, the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units at UCI and UCSF were recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a 2008 Regional Children’s Environmental Health Champion. The fact sheets are available in English and Spanish at www.coeh.uci.edu/PEHSU/fact_sheets.htm

“Children are particularly at risk from the bad health effects of the smoke and also from other hazards in their environment, such as downed electrically charged power lines and smoldering burning material on the ground. Parents and caretakers should make themselves aware of these hazards and take steps to protect the children.” – Dr. James Seltzer, UCI

To contact Seltzer and his colleagues, call 949-824-1857, 866-827-3478 or e-mail jseltzer@uci.edu.


Children’s Health and Exercise
Dr. Dan Cooper, professor of pediatrics and pediatric pulmonology chief at UC Irvine Medical Center, studies childhood health and the effects of exercise on asthma, obesity and diabetes. He directs the Center for the Study of Health Effects of Exercise in Children and the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science. 

“Smoke from these large fires can exacerbate conditions in children with asthma and even cause wheezing in otherwise healthy children, so it’s important that they do not exercise in these conditions and stay indoors as much as possible.” – Dr. Dan Cooper, UCI

To contact Cooper, call 714-456-2317 or e-mail dcooper@uci.edu.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Effects
Michael Kleinman, community and environmental health and medicine researcher and co-director of the Air Pollution Health Effects Laboratory at UC Irvine, studies how particulate matter in pollution can affect both respiratory and cardiovascular function. He says the fine particles in fire smoke can be an extreme irritant to the respiratory tract and can accelerate asthma symptoms. Air conditioning, he adds, can help filter air for those affected by these environmental conditions.

“The fine particles in fire smoke can irritate the lungs and cause problems for people with heart ailments. As much as possible, stay indoors, close your windows and avoid extra physical exertion.” – Michael Kleinman, UCI

To contact Kleinman, call 949-824-4765 or e-mail mtkleinm@uci.edu.