AB 619 responds to the increasing threat that wildfire smoke has on public health, and in particular, lung health. Recently we have seen longer wildfire seasons with larger, more intense, and more destructive wildfires. As wildfires become more severe, they present a greater threat to the health of all Californians. However, there is no local authority tasked with taking the lead on informing the public about the health threat posed by wildfire air pollution. This has led to examples of conflicting guidance provided to the public by a city and the county in which it is located. Accurate and clear guidance is especially critical for those whose health is most at risk when exposed to wildfire smoke, namely seniors, children, and those with existing chronic lung conditions like COPD and asthma.
California experienced its largest fire season in modern history in 2020 with over 8,100 fires burning almost 4.5 million acres of land. Of the five deadliest fires in California history, three of them have occurred since October 2017. The seven largest fires in California have all occurred since December 2017, including five in 2020 alone. With wildfires come the dangerous and hazardous wildfire smoke. Researchers with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego found the particles released in wildfire smoke are up to 10 times more damaging to humans than particles released from other sources.
The time is now for our legislature to fund more research and find new treatments that will help patients live longer and with a greater quality of life. Sign our petition to urge your representatives to support AB 619 today!