The health effects of wildfire smoke

Worker approaches a blazing wildfire in a forest.

DEOHS wildfire experts are investigating how smoke affects our health and strategies to reduce its impacts

 

DEOHS wildfire smoke experts were featured in a recent webinar hosted by the UW School of Public Health

Wildfires are natural and inevitable in our forestlands. Climate change is making our wildfire seasons longer, hotter and more dangerous.

The UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) has a long history of leading research into the impacts of wildfires on human health.

Through our research and outreach activities, DEOHS faculty and students are building our understanding of how wildfire smoke can damage our health and the best ways to protect people and communities from harm.

Learn about our impact, research and expertise below.

Our impact

Interior art at Hans Rosling Center

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Screenshot of video showing cars driving through a residential area with smoky skies

Video: UW-led research links wildfire smoke exposure with increased dementia risk

DEOHS researcher Joan Casey calls wildfire smoke "a different animal"

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A woman holds a small blood collection device against her upper arm.

Sparking biochemical insights into wildfire smoke exposure

Spurred on by EDGE Center grant, UW Professor Ashleigh Theberge's home blood-sampling system examines impacts of wildfire smoke 

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Person in a sweatshirt picking apples

Protecting crop workers under the sun and smoke

DEOHS research in agriculture industry aims to increase worker health and safety in heat and wildfire smoke

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Mike Yost stands at a lectern, facing a crowd (not visible). He wears a dark jacket and purple tie. In the background is a tall banner.

Leading with community as a North Star

DEOHS Chair Michael Yost steps down after 10 years 

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Yijie Geng, Diana Ceballos and Karen Chen stand in front of a mountain slope and trees.

New DEOHS faculty tour Washington state

Three new DEOHS faculty connect with communities and their environmental health concerns on UW Faculty Field Tour

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In the news

Study links wildfire smoke and dementia risk. What does it mean for the North?
December 19, 2024 | Yukon News | Featured: Joan Casey View

Breathing wildfire smoke may greatly increase the risk of dementia
December 11, 2024 | Consumer Affairs | Featured: Joan Casey View

Wildfire smoke exposure and dementia risk
December 10, 2024 | National Institutes of Health | Featured: Joan Casey View

How wildfires may lead to higher rates of dementia
December 5, 2024 | KUOW | Featured: Joan Casey View

Wildfire smoke increases risk of dementia, UW study finds
November 27, 2024 | The Seattle Times | Featured: Joan Casey View