Do not inhale! How wildfire smoke 'affects the whole body'
Wildfires destroy lives and livelihoods. But survivors and firefighters also suffer long-term harm to their health. A growing body of research suggests particulate matter (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke is a major culprit.
Wildfire smoke exposure poses serious health risks beyond just respiratory issues, according to recent research. Professor Yang Liu of Emory University explained that the body's entire system suffers oxidative stress from the smoke, potentially accelerating the onset of various diseases. A study from January 2026 found that repeated, moderate smoke exposure raises the risk of stroke among older adults.
Another study published a month later revealed that long-term wildfire smoke exposure contributed to an average of 24,100 U.S. deaths annually between 2006 and 2020.
The primary culprit in wildfire smoke is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), consisting of toxic particles that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation and organ damage. PM2.5 is linked to serious conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and cancer. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, with increased risks of premature births and low birth weight.
The toxic nature of wildfire smoke varies depending on the fire's location, with urban fires producing different components than rural ones.
The composition of wildfire smoke also includes heavy metals like mercury and cadmium, as well as carcinogenic compounds and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) found in everyday products and building materials. These substances have been associated with various cancers and metabolic issues. Research suggests that wildfire smoke's toxicity increases over time, becoming up to four times more harmful in the days following a fire.
Smoke can travel long distances, staying in the atmosphere for up to ten days and potentially reaching distant regions.
Despite being a significant threat, wildfire smoke is not the dominant source of air pollution globally. Traffic exhaust, industrial emissions, and fuel combustion for cooking contribute more to overall health problems, as people are exposed to these pollutants daily. However, wildfire smoke uniquely poses dangers, especially for those living near fire-prone areas.
To minimize exposure, experts recommend staying indoors during and after fires, using air filters, wearing N95 masks, and ensuring vulnerable individuals have necessary medications and inhalers. Proactive measures include clearing flammable materials from properties and setting up neighborhood monitoring groups to detect early signs of fires and prevent them from escalating.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
