Prevention Efforts News

natural-disasters2 years ago•4 min saved

Investigation into Maui wildfires and HECO's role sparks congressional hearing

Hawaii energy and utility officials faced questioning from House members regarding the cause and prevention of the deadly Maui wildfires that claimed at least 97 lives and destroyed numerous homes and businesses. The President & CEO of Hawaiian Electric, Shelee Kimura, stated that power lines falling in high winds caused the initial fire, while the cause of the subsequent blaze that devastated Lahaina remains undetermined. The committee raised concerns about the company's protocols for shutting off power lines during extreme weather conditions and questioned actions taken to mitigate wildfire threats. Hawaiian Electric is now facing lawsuits alleging negligence for failing to de-energize their equipment despite a red flag warning.

via ABC News|

#electric-infrastructure #hawaii #lawsuits

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Air Pollution Linked to Increased Dementia Risk, Studies Show

Air pollution, particularly from wildfires and agriculture, may be responsible for an estimated 188,000 dementia cases in the U.S. each year, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The study found that specific causes of air pollution, such as PM 2.5 particles, were more strongly linked to dementia than others. The researchers analyzed data from a long-term survey and combined it with air quality modeling to estimate exposure levels. They suggest that targeted interventions to reduce air pollution could help prevent dementia at a population level.

via CBS News|

#air-pollution #alzheimers-disease #dementia

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Disturbing Trends in Mortality Rates Among Different Age Groups in the US

A new study shows that youth suicide rates increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher than expected suicide deaths among males, preteens aged 5–12 years, young adults aged 18–24 years, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native youth, and non-Hispanic Black youth as compared to before the pandemic. Suicide deaths involving firearms were also higher than expected. The study highlights ongoing disparities in rates of suicide that the pandemic may have exacerbated and suggests that suicide prevention efforts should be tailored to address the disparities faced by specific groups.

via National Institute of Mental Health|

#covid-19 #disparities #health

aviation-safety2 years ago

FAA and Transportation Secretary address increase in close calls at US airports.

The FAA Safety Summit has begun, with the aim of preventing more close calls in the aviation industry. The summit will bring together industry leaders to discuss ways to improve safety and prevent accidents. The focus will be on prevention efforts, including better training and communication, as well as the use of new technologies. The FAA hopes that this summit will lead to a safer and more efficient aviation industry.

via WKRC TV Cincinnati|

#aviation-industry #aviation-safety #close-calls

aviation-safety2 years ago

FAA and Transportation Secretary address increase in close calls at airports.

The FAA Safety Summit has begun, with the aim of preventing more close calls in the aviation industry. The summit will bring together industry leaders to discuss ways to improve safety and prevent accidents. The focus will be on prevention efforts, including better training and communication, as well as the use of new technologies. The FAA hopes that this summit will lead to a safer and more efficient aviation industry.

via KATU|

#aviation-industry #aviation-safety #close-calls