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

Woman smiling at camera.

Omenn award winner

DEOHS student Annie Doubleday honored by the UW School of Public Health for her leadership potential and public health contributions

LEARN MORE
A group of people stand on a street wearing air masks and taking video on their cellphones.

Clearing the air

Public health experts and climate researchers convene to address communication challenges related to wildfire smoke

LEARN MORE
Smoky skies reduce visibility along a road in central Washington.

Let's talk about wildfire smoke and your health

Summer’s smoky skies prompt call from DEOHS researchers for better communication about health risks

LEARN MORE

In the news

Driving away from wildfires can be harrowing. Here’s what to do.
January 14, 2025 | The Washington Post | Featured: Joel D. Kaufman View

Where there’s fire, there’s smoke: Los Angeles blazes raise fears of ‘super toxic’ lung damage
January 13, 2025 | The Guardian | Featured: Joel D. Kaufman View

The flames from wildfires aren’t always the most dangerous part
January 10, 2025 | Salon | Featured: Joan Casey View

Los Angeles wildfires: What are the health risks from the smoke?
January 10, 2025 | The Straits Times | Featured: Joan Casey View

Wildfire smoke increases dementia risk, study finds
January 9, 2025 | Axios | Featured: Joan Casey View