Impacts of Sugarcane Fires on Air Quality and Public Health in South Florida.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preharvest burning of sugarcane is a common agricultural practice in Florida, which produces fine particulate matter [particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5μm (PM2.5)] that is associated with higher mortality.

Objectives

We estimated premature mortality associated with exposure to PM2.5 from sugarcane burning in people age 25 y and above for 20 counties in South Florida.

Methods

We combined information from an atmospheric dispersion model, satellites, and surface measurements to quantify PM2.5 concentrations in South Florida and the fraction of PM2.5 from sugarcane fires. From these concentrations, estimated mortalities attributable to PM2.5 from sugarcane fires were calculated by census tract using health impact functions derived from liter

SUBMITTER: Nowell HK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9354838 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature