Bend, OR – Over the past five years, wildfires have scorched more than 36 million acres of land across the United States, but the devastation extends far beyond the areas directly affected by flames. Smoke from these wildfires has traveled hundreds, even thousands, of miles, severely impacting air quality and the health of millions of people living downwind.
A new study by researchers from the University of Washington Bothell has shed light on the widespread effects of wildfire smoke on U.S. communities. Led by Dan Jaffe and Haebum Lee, the study developed a groundbreaking method for tracking days when smoke levels exceeded normal thresholds in various regions across the country. By combining satellite imagery with particulate readings from air quality monitoring stations, the team was able to provide a clearer picture of the smoke’s reach.
The findings are eye-opening. Cities in Oregon, particularly Medford, Grants Pass, and Bend, topped the list of the smokiest U.S. cities from 2019 to 2023. Several other Oregon cities—Klamath Falls (#5), Roseburg (#6), and Eugene/Springfield (#10)—also ranked in the top 10 for smoke exposure. In Washington, Yakima came in at #15, a sobering indication of the far-reaching impacts of wildfire smoke.
The study revealed that particulate pollution, including fine particles known as PM 2.5, was a significant contributor to the poor air quality in these cities. These tiny particles, which come from sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and wood stoves, pose serious health risks. In the case of wildfire smoke, PM 2.5 particles made up at least 30% of the total particulate pollutants residents in these cities were exposed to each year.
Because these particles are so small, they can easily be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs, leading to a range of health issues. Researchers have linked exposure to wildfire smoke with respiratory problems, including asthma, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. As a result, the study aimed to better understand the health implications of wildfire smoke and its correlation with emergency room visits.
From 2019 to 2023, the study found that wildfire smoke exposure was responsible for an estimated 42,500 asthma-related emergency room visits across the United States. The majority of these visits occurred in high-population metropolitan areas in the Eastern U.S. However, the Pacific Northwest cities, including Portland and Seattle, also experienced a notable spike in asthma-related ER visits due to wildfire smoke. In both metro areas, approximately 15% of all asthma-related ER visits could be attributed to wildfire smoke exposure.
The findings underscore the growing urgency to address the health risks associated with wildfire smoke. Experts believe that with the frequency and intensity of wildfires increasing due to climate change, it is more important than ever for public health officials and policymakers to consider the far-reaching effects of wildfire smoke in their planning and response efforts.
For residents of cities in wildfire-prone areas, the health consequences of smoke exposure are now an inescapable reality. As the study suggests, the need for effective strategies to mitigate the impact of wildfire smoke, protect vulnerable populations, and improve air quality has never been more pressing.
