9 February 2024
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), representing the world's top respiratory experts, raises urgent concern about the significant threat flooding poses to lung health, as emphasized by recent research in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine Flooding and excessive rainfall risk respiratory health. In response to the escalating climate crisis and rising frequency of extreme weather events, FIRS calls for global collaboration to address this critical issue. Healthcare professionals, policymakers and communities must unite to develop strategies protecting lung health from the devastating consequences of flooding in a changing climate.
Flooding directly exposes populations to water contaminants, leading to a heightened incidence of asthma and allergy symptoms. More critically, the aftermath of flooding events significantly increases the vulnerability of communities to respiratory infections. These effects are often overlooked in the immediate response to such natural disasters.
As an alliance of respiratory health experts, FIRS is committed to raising awareness of these risks.
President of FIRS, Dr David CL Lam: "More research into the long-term respiratory consequences of flooding is imperative. Multidisciplinary action and policy advocacy are crucial to safeguard lung health. We must prioritize preparedness and preventive measures, emphasizing public health education and infrastructure resilience to effectively mitigate these risks."
“FIRS remains dedicated to advancing understanding and care in respiratory health, particularly in relation to environmental challenges. Recognizing the need for centralized information, we will develop a Climate Change Respiratory Resource Hub, dedicated to keeping healthcare providers informed on our members’ latest research on the impact of climate change on respiratory health. This initiative aims to provide updates and recommendations to enhance preparedness and response strategies in addressing these critical health challenges.”
“We're committed to supporting initiatives that align lung health with the health of our planet.”
Notes:
Read more on the impact of climate change on lung health in the European Respiratory Society (a FIRS member) publication ‘Climate change and respiratory disease: clinical guidance for healthcare professionals.’
Media contact: Fiona Salter This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is an organization established in 2001, composed of the world's leading international respiratory societies representing approximately 70,000 professionals working in the field of respiratory health. FIRS members work collectively to improve lung health globally through advocacy, setting standards for respiratory health care, and working with global organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
The member societies of FIRS are: American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) American Thoracic Society (ATS) Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) Asociación Latino Americana De Tórax (ALAT) European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (The Union) Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)
