Grant: Project Grant - Priority Announcement: Health and Climate Change

The number of wildfires has increased in Canada and around the world over the last two, decades. There may be even more wildfires in the near future. Wildfires are a public health risk. They increase the risk of breathing problems, heart disease and death. The consequences on health may be really serious for unborn babies because they are growing and developing very quickly. Past research studies have found that mothers who are pregnant during intense wildfires may give birth to babies who are smaller or born prematurely. The goal of our study is to better understand the risks of wildfire exposure during pregnancy on child development and health. The province of British Columbia provides a valuable opportunity to understand how wildfire exposure during pregnancy may affect child health. This is because the intensity of wildfires has varied over time and over regions of the province. We will use this "natural experiment" by comparing children who experienced varying amounts of wildfire exposure during pregnancy. We will determine if wildfire exposure during pregnancy is related to child health and developmental outcomes using population based data, such as Medical Services Plan billings. In a group of children, we will also determine the relationship with biological markers at birth. This will include marks on DNA that can affect the activity of our genes, as well as markers of inflammation. Identifying biological markers could help us determine how wildfire exposure during pregnancy shapes child development and health. It could also help us identify babies at risk of long-term negative effects. Based on the findings, we will prepare materials for the general public and healthcare professionals. Our hope is to help protect pregnant women and their babies during future wildfire seasons.