Category: Wildfire

The first eight weeks: wildfire smoke and fetal development

~ PRHE

The earliest weeks of pregnancy are a period of remarkable development. In a matter of weeks, the foundations of the brain, spinal cord, heart, and other major organs begin to take shape. That rapid development also makes this a particularly important period for understanding how environmental exposures may affect fetal health. My research team at … Continue reading The first eight weeks: wildfire smoke and fetal development

Wildfire smoke and pregnancy: what the science tells us and why it matters right now

~ PRHE

As massive wildfires send smoke billowing across the mid-Atlantic, northeastern United States, and Midwest, many people are focused on the immediate effects of breathing smoky air: burning eyes, irritated throats, and worsening asthma. But for pregnant women, the risks may run deeper and last longer than the smoke itself. Wildfires are no longer just a … Continue reading Wildfire smoke and pregnancy: what the science tells us and why it matters right now