Wildfire smoke creates an under-managed public health burden

Wildfire smoke can travel far from the fire perimeter and expose large populations to fine particulate matter. Risk is concentrated among children, older adults, pregnant people, people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions and workers who cannot avoid outdoor exposure.

Smoke response is often secondary to fire suppression even though exposure can persist across jurisdictions and affect people who face no direct flame threat. Monitoring, public guidance and access to cleaner indoor air are uneven.

This issue covers population health effects from wildfire smoke. Direct burns, evacuation and responder exposure are outside its scope.

Source: World Health Organization guidance on wildfires.