Wildfire Smoke is Killing Americans. A New Study Quantifies How Much

A new study in Nature highlights wildfire smoke as an emerging nationwide public health threat, contributing to an estimated 40,000 U.S. deaths annually. Researchers found that smoke exposure worsens chronic conditions like heart and lung disease and can have long-lasting effects, with elevated health risks persisting for years.

Climate change is expected to increase wildfire intensity and smoke exposure, making adaptation essential. Public health communicators play a critical role in preparing communities through clear risk messaging, promoting strategies like air filtration, and supporting clean air centers to help protect vulnerable populations from this growing environmental health hazard. Read more from NPR here.