Respiratory impacts of earthquakes

Abstract

Millions of people worldwide live in areas prone to earthquakes and face devastating consequences and severe medical issues. Earthquakes not only cause massive destruction but also release hazardous mixtures of dust, fibres, microbes and toxic particles from collapsed structures, posing serious risks to the respiratory system and other organs. Survivors, search and rescue workers and volunteers can be heavily exposed to earthquake-related hazards. The respiratory health impacts of earthquake-related exposures include both acute and long-term effects, as well as exacerbation of chronic pulmonary diseases. This narrative review focuses on the spectrum of environmental and occupational exposures that arise after earthquakes and their associated short- and long-term respiratory consequences. By incorporating post-earthquake particulate matter measurements of 2.5 and 10 µm diameter from the 2023 Türkiye–Syria earthquakes (also referred to as the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes), the review highlights exposure patterns that remain underrepresented in the existing literature. Furthermore, it places these findings within an earthquake-specific public health framework, aiming to inform risk reduction, preparedness and mitigation strategies relevant to affected communities.