GFMC AND UNICEF
United Nations Children’s Fund
Safe from Wildfire Smoke – Healthy Environments for Healthy Children
The impact of wildfire smoke on children is profound and unsettling. Studies reveal that PM2.5 emitted by landscape fires is approximately ten times more harmful to children’s respiratory health compared to PM2.5 from other sources, particularly affecting the vulnerable age group of 0 to 5 years. Landscape fire smoke has been extensively linked to increased respiratory morbidity and mental health issues, ranging from asthma and cardiovascular diseases to lung ailments. Prenatal exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with low birthweight, premature birth and increased risk of child deaths. Moreover, the enduring impact of wildfires extends beyond immediate health concerns and casts a long shadow on children due to injuries, disabilities, trauma, loss of learning and recreational opportunities, and displacement.
In 2024, UNICEF has published a technical note that endeavors to distil a wealth of research, guidance and tools, and synthesize a comprehensive understanding of the impact of wildfire smoke on children. It is intended for policymakers and implementers, and seeks to empower meaningful action that shields children from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke, supplementing existing guidance on air pollution. We also hope that this technical note along with country experiences will inform and help shape formal global guidance on this critical issue. GFMC and a member of the UNDRR Wildland Fire Advisory Group (WFAG) have supported UNICEF and provided relevant thematic information for the development of the technical note:
- Healthy Environments for Healthy Children: UNICEF’s Technical Note “Safe from Wildfire Smoke” (2024) (PDF, 6.2 MB)
See also GFMC post on Community-Based Fire Management – Children:
