How many deaths are linked to wildfire smoke in the US annually?

An average of 24,100 deaths are linked to long-term exposure to wildfire smoke annually in the United States.

What is causing the increase in wildfire smoke health risks?

Climate change leading to more frequent and intense wildfires, along with forest mismanagement, is increasing the health risks from wildfire smoke.

Home / Environment / Wildfire Smoke Kills Thousands Annually in US

Wildfire Smoke Kills Thousands Annually in US

Q: What health problems does wildfire smoke PM2.5 cause?

Wildfire smoke PM2.5 can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and premature death.

5 Feb

•

Summary

Wildfire smoke exposure causes 24,100 deaths yearly in the US.
Fine particulate matter from smoke lodges deep in lungs and bloodstream.
Climate change and forest mismanagement worsen wildfire smoke health risks.

Wildfire Smoke Kills Thousands Annually in US

Wildfire smoke has been definitively linked to tens of thousands of premature deaths each year in the United States, according to a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances. Researchers found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke contributed to an average of 24,100 deaths annually across the lower 48 states between 2006 and 2020.

These microscopic particles are particularly dangerous as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. While short-term exposure causes immediate discomfort, chronic exposure exacerbates existing health conditions and can lead to severe respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and ultimately, premature death. The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, driven by climate change and compounded by forest mismanagement, are escalating this public health crisis.