Impact of Airborne Particulate Matter on Respiratory Admissions in Urban Centers during the 2023–2024 Wildfire Season

by Jorge R. Salazar-Quintero, Lucía Herrera-Ponce

Abstract

Using time-series models, we link daily PM2.5 concentrations to emergency respiratory admissions and estimate the excess healthcare burden attributable to wildfire-exacerbated pollution episodes.

1. Introduction

Public health research in this area has advanced rapidly over the last decade. Here we outline the evidence gap addressed by this work and summarize its main contributions to health policy and practice in the Caribbean and Latin America.

2. Materials and Methods

We analyzed population data using standardized epidemiological methods. Quantitative analyses were performed with multivariable models and statistical significance was assessed at α = 0.05. Ethical approval and informed-consent procedures followed institutional and international guidelines throughout the study.

3. Results

The results show consistent and reproducible trends across subgroups, summarized in Figures 1–2 below and discussed in relation to previous regional and international studies.

4. Discussion

Our findings support the proposed hypothesis and align with recent reports in the literature. Limitations include sample size and geographic coverage, which should be addressed in future multi-center collaborations across the region.

5. Conclusions

We conclude that the approach is feasible and scalable, and we provide concrete recommendations for practitioners, institutions and policy makers.

@article{a42025,
  title={Impact of Airborne Particulate Matter on Respiratory Admissions in Urban Centers during the 2023–2024 Wildfire Season},
  author={Jorge R. Salazar-Quintero and Lucía Herrera-Ponce},
  journal={Public Health & Medicine},
  year={2025},
  doi={10.9999/cg.2025.a4}
}