C2H2 EAGER: Quantifying the smoke-related health impacts of wildfire management in Alaska

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $300,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Wildland fire smoke is an increasing threat to public health in Alaska where climate-driven changes are resulting in more frequent large wildfires and widespread smoke exposure. This research explores the utility of the U.S. EPA's Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) that was developed to measure urban air quality. It will also test the tool's ability to quantify the health and economic burdens of wildfire smoke in the context of Alaska's rural and widely dispersed population. Tasks and research undertaken include: (1) Using the EPA wildfire smoke assessment tool to assess wildfire smoke particulates in the 2.5 micron size fraction to see if there is a correlation between the size of these particles and health outcomes in Alaska since this size-fraction has the largest documented impact on the human respiratory system; (2) Working with Alaskan fire managers to develop realistic wildfire and prescribed and cultural fire management practices that take into account associated smoke, air quality, and smoke plume distribution; and (3) Assessing barriers to, and opportunities for, scaling findings across the Alaskan rural landscape and, potentially, for application of the tool to rural areas across the U.S. The research is interdisciplinary and includes experts from the fields of atmospheric science, public health, and epidemiology. It also includes interaction with fire managers and state and tribal corporations. Broader impacts of the work include providing a decisi

Key facts

NSF award ID
2533363
Awardee
University of Alaska Anchorage Campus (AK)
SAM.gov UEI
DZFJT2KH9C43
PI
Micah Hahn
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Climate and Human Health, EAGER, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$300,000
Funds obligated
$300,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
08/15/2025 → 07/31/2027