LOS ANGELES — Wildfires that swept through Los Angeles earlier this year may have led to more than 400 additional deaths, far exceeding the official toll, according to research published Wednesday in JAMA.
While Los Angeles County has confirmed 31 direct fatalities from the January blazes, the study estimates about 440 excess deaths between 5 January and 1 February, linked to indirect effects such as smoke-related heart and lung problems, and disruptions to medical care.
Researchers compared mortality data during the fires with previous years, finding a nearly 7% spike. Many victims were patients whose treatment for conditions like cancer or kidney disease was delayed.
The Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed thousands of structures and forced over 100,000 residents to evacuate.
Experts say the findings highlight the need to track both direct and indirect deaths in climate-related disasters and to improve health surveillance during emergencies.
In a separate JAMA study, researchers reported long-term health effects from the 2023 Maui wildfires, including reduced lung function in 22% of adults and high rates of depression. Maui also saw a spike in suicides and drug overdoses in the month of the disaster.
Wildfire smoke, experts warn, is especially harmful—its particles can be four times more toxic to lung immune cells than other forms of pollution, raising long-term cardiovascular risks. Vulnerable groups include older adults, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, though healthy adults are not immune.
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