Pediatric Grand Rounds (RECORDING) Wildfires and Climate Change: Their Effects on Children and Pregnancy

This presentation is a recording of a Stanford Pediatric Grand Rounds Session.  World-renowned experts will present the latest research, practice guidelines, and treatment protocols to advance best practices in the care of pediatric patients. These online recordings will provide pediatricians and family physicians with up-to-date clinical information on a wide range of clinical issues encountered in daily pediatric practice. 

Climate change is increasing the prevalence of wildfires exposing large populations to smoke from these wildfires. The smoke contains numerous pollutants, including toxins that are released when materials in homes and cars burn. In addition to the acute effects of wildfires, long-term effects mediated by molecular damage, including epigenetic changes, are observed. Children and pregnant women are especially at risk from the health effects of wildfire smoke. Wildfires are expected to increase in intensity and frequency and strategies for wildfire mitigation are urgently needed.

1. Evaluate emerging research, updated guidelines, and treatment protocols in order to develop strategies for best practice in the care of pediatric patients.
2. Describe the effects of wildfires on human health
3. Explain the molecular damage on exposure to wildfire smoke
4. Implement strategies for mitigation and adaption to wildfires

In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

Credit Designation 
American Medical Association (AMA) 
Stanford Medicine designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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References/Bibliography
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Kiser D. Particulate matter and emergency visits for asthma: a time-series study of their association in the presence and absence of wildfire smoke in Reno, Nevada, 2013–2018. Environmental Health volume 19, Article number: 92 (2020)

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Bureau of Labor Statistics, University of Cincinnati. 2020.

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Blagev, D.P., Bride, D., Babbel, D., Mendoza, D., Horne, B., “Home particulate concentration reduction during high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter use”, presented at the European Respiratory Society 2018 International Congress, September 16, Paris, France.

H.-K. Park, K.-C. Cheng, A.O. Tetteh, L.M. Hildemann, K.C. Nadeau. Effectiveness of air purifier on health outcomes and indoor particles in homes of children with allergic diseases in Fresno, California: A pilot study. J. Asthma, 54 (2017), pp. 341-346.

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Adar S et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2015 Jun 15;191(12):1413-21. Adopting Clean Fuels and Technologies on School Buses. Pollution and Health Impacts in Children.


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Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Stanford Medicine adheres to the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. 

There are no relevant financial relationships with ACCME-defined ineligible companies for anyone who was in control of the content of this activity, except those listed in the table below. All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.