Lori Byron, MD, on climate change and implications for pediatric health care

At the 2024 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition, Lori Byron, MD, a pediatric hospitalist from Billings, Montana, shared her expertise on the health risks that children face from environmental factors like extreme heat and wildfire smoke. According to Byron, "probably the biggest areas that we see concerns with are extreme heat and wildfire smoke which both, of course, affect the kids' ability to be outside, affect the kids' asthma, but also probably, more importantly, affect their mental health when they're limited on what they can do and they don't understand and the world's a scary place."

Byron— who received the AAP's Donald W. Schiff, MD, FAAP, Child Avocacy Award—emphasized the significant threat posed by wildfire smoke, citing recent research¹. She explained, "we know that wildfire smoke is very harmful to human health as is any other form of particulate matter in the air. And in fact, recent research indicates that wildfire smoke might be 10 times worse than other forms of air pollution for pediatric patients." This heightened risk extends beyond respiratory issues. Wildfire smoke, like other forms of particulate matter, contributes to systemic inflammation and can even affect cognitive development, as "these particles get into our brains, into our bodies, cause inflammation."

In addressing these concerns, Byron advocates for pediatricians to take a proactive approach in educating families. She noted, "educating families on risks from these problems is a good thing to do and having information available either on your website or flyers and posters in your office. Any of that is helpful." Beyond just providing education, she stresses the importance of empowering families and children to take action. "It's also helpful to engage families and make them feel less hopeless about the situation and the kids too. There's a lot of kids who are already doing actions and there's lots of actions that kids and parents can do to make them feel better and to also make the situation better."

Byron encourages pediatricians to support sustainability efforts within their own practices, while also advocating for collective action. She highlights how even small actions, such as writing letters to legislators or attending planning board meetings, can make a difference in both the health and the broader environmental impact that children experience.

The discussion underscores the critical role pediatricians and families can play in mitigating the harmful effects of climate change on children's health.

About Donald W. Schiff, M.D., FAAP, Child Advocacy Award

Renée R Jenkins MD, FAAP, past president of the AAP (left) presents Lori Byron, MD (right) with the Donald W. Schiff, M.D., FAAP, Child Advocacy Award.

Byron was awarded this honor from the AAP because "She is a dedicated advocate for children’s health, focusing on the intersection of climate change and marginalized communities. Dr. Byron is a past president of the Montana Chapter and founder of the first Reach Out and Read program in Montana."¹

The award winner is selected based on outstanding long-term accomplishments as an advocate to enhance the well-being of children.^1,2

References:

1. 2024 AAP Award Winners. American Academy of Pediatrics. September 27, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/29984/2024-AAP-Award-Winners

2. Donald Schiff, MD, FAAP Child Advocacy Award. American Academy of Pediatrics. Updated January 9, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024. https://www.aap.org/en/community/aap-sections/senior-members/donald-schiff-child-advocacy-award/