Public Health Response to Wildfire Smoke in Iowa: What’s in Store for 2024
Photo credit: Kari Greer, https://www.kariphotos.com
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This free virtual webinar will delve into topics such as atmospheric phenomena, meteorology, pulmonary toxicology, environmental epidemiology, health effects, and public health preparedness and response.
Wednesday, July 24 – 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
On July 24, 2024, the Iowa Institute for Public Health Practice, Research and Policy will host a free webinar focused on wildfire smoke in Iowa. This free webinar will delve into several critical areas:
- Atmospheric Phenomena and Meteorology: Experts will explore the impact of wildfire smoke on atmospheric conditions and meteorological patterns.
- Pulmonary Toxicology: The presentation will address the toxicological effects of wildfire smoke on the respiratory system, including associations with diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
- Environmental Epidemiology: Attendees will gain insights into the epidemiological aspects related to wildfire smoke exposure and its health implications.
- Health Effects and Preparedness: The panel will discuss the health effects of wildfire smoke and strategies for public health preparedness and response.
Attendees can expect practical guidance on mitigating risks and protecting communities during wildfire events.
Panelists
Peter S. Thorne, PhD
- Dr. Peter Thorne is a professor in the UI College of Public Health’s Department of Occupational & Environmental Health.
- He co-directs the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center.
- Dr. Thorne has held prominent national leadership positions, including serving as chairman of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board.
- His research interests include chronic kidney disease management, hypertension, medical education, and quality improvement.
Charles O. Stanier, PhD
- Charles O. Stanier is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the University of Iowa.
- He is also a researcher at the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research and a Research Engineer at IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering.
- His expertise lies in various areas, including atmospheric carbon dioxide, ultrafine atmospheric particles, aerosol health effects, and organic aerosol chemistry.
- His research focuses on environmental aerosols, their chemistry, climate effects, computer simulation, and modeling of aerosols, and the health effects of airborne contaminants.
Wanda Reiter Kintz, PhD
- Wanda Reiter Kintz earned her B.A. degree in chemistry from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- She worked as a chemistry professor at Iowa Wesleyan College and Mount Mercy University.
- In 2009, she joined Linn County Public Health as an environmental chemist, participating in a community-scale air toxics monitoring project.
- After serving as a program director in emergency preparedness at the State Hygienic Laboratory, she returned to Linn County Public Health in September 2020.
- Since June 2022, she has been the Air Quality Branch Supervisor, overseeing ambient air monitoring, compliance/enforcement, and permitting.
- Wanda also serves on the EPA’s Clean Air Act Advisory Committee and is interested in climate change and environmental justice.
For any questions please contact Josie Hentzen at josie-hentzen@uiowa.edu