Author(s) :

Oh, Seungheon.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Environmental stressors impose substantial population-level health burdens and can contribute to increased disability-adjusted life year (DALY) burden and reduced quality of life. This paper examines short- and long-term health impacts of three major environmental stressors: wildfire smoke, marine oil spills, and chronic air pollution from coal-fired power plants. Using a narrative literature review, the study utilizes epidemiologic, toxicologic, and health systems evidence from various case studies, including the 2020 and 2025 California wildfire seasons, the 2007 Hebei Spirit oil spill in Taean, South Korea, and population level exposure to coal related fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅). Amongst these three stressors, exposure to complex mixtures of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and combustion related pollutants was consistently associated with increased respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic, and psychological morbidity. Evidence from longitudinal cohort studies and burden-of-disease analyses suggests that these impacts may extend beyond acute exposure periods and be associated with prolonged healthcare utilization, chronic disease risk, and mental health distress. For the Hebei Spirit oil spill case study, a burden-of-disease analysis estimated approximately 14,724 DALYs attributable to the spill in 2008 (5). Analysis of healthcare utilization following the Hebei Spirit oil spill illustrates significant specialty-specific disruptions and patterns of delayed recovery, reflecting both toxic exposure pathways and broader social and healthcare system stress. Environmental disasters and chronic pollution may function as important contributors to lasting population-level health burden. Integrating environmental exposure assessment into public health assessments and strengthening preventive policies are essential to mitigating the long-term consequences of increasingly frequent environmental stress incidents.