New study analyzes air quality impacts of wildfire smoke

With wildfires increasing in frequency, severity, and size in the Western U.S., researchers are determined to better understand how smoke impacts air quality, public health, and even the weather. As fires burn, they release enormous amounts of aerosols — the vaporized remains of burning trees and homes that enter the atmosphere and the air we … Read more

Fire smoke exposure leaves toxic metals and lasting immune changes

Healthy adults exposed to fire smoke — which can be composed of gases, particulate matter, and toxins — showed alterations to their immune systems, including changes in the regulation of genes associated with asthma and allergies, and in immune cells that play a key role in fighting pathogens, compared to adults who had no exposure … Read more