Wildfire Smoke Linked to 24,100 US Deaths Per Year

New study ties chronic exposure to particle pollution from wildfires to tens of thousands of deaths annually.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:31pm

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A new study published in the journal Science Advances has found that chronic exposure to pollution from wildfire smoke contributed to an average of 24,100 deaths per year in the lower 48 states from 2006 to 2020. The study's authors analyzed the link between annual average exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke and deaths by county, finding the strongest association during cooler periods and in rural areas and younger communities.

Why it matters

The study highlights the growing threat that wildfire smoke poses to human health, especially as climate change drives an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Quantifying the deadly impact of wildfire-related air pollution underscores the need for effective mitigation strategies and stronger EPA regulation.

The details

The study found that for every 0.1 microgram per cubic meter increase of PM2.5 from wildfire smoke across the country, about 5,594 more people died each year. Researchers saw the biggest increase in deaths from neurological diseases. The study did not account for factors like individual smoking habits, which could have led to over or underestimates in some areas.

  • The study analyzed data from 2006 to 2020.
  • The findings were published on February 4, 2026.

The players

Yaguang Wei

A study author and assistant professor in the department of environmental medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Michael Jerrett

A professor of environmental health science at the University of California, Los Angeles who was not involved in the study.

Min Zhang

A postdoctoral student at the Icahn School and a study author.

Kai Chen

An associate professor of environmental sciences at the Yale School of Public Health who has also studied the topic, but was not involved in this study.

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What they’re saying

“Our message is: Wildfire smoke is very dangerous. It is an increasing threat to human health.”

— Yaguang Wei, Study author and assistant professor

“The estimates they're coming up with are reasonable. We need more of them. It's only if we're doing multiple studies with many different designs that we gain scientific confidence of our outcomes.”

— Michael Jerrett, Professor of environmental health science

“Wildfire smoke PM2.5 has emerged as significant environmental hazard in the U.S., and it's driven by increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires due to climate change.”

— Min Zhang, Postdoctoral student and study author

“I really like that they examined both the smoke and nonsmoke PM2.5. Various research has found that PM2.5 from wildfire smoke has bigger health impacts than pollution from other sources, such as car emissions.”

— Kai Chen, Associate professor of environmental sciences

What’s next

The study's authors say the findings highlight the need for effective, urgent mitigation strategies backed by stronger EPA monitoring and regulation of wildfire-related air pollution.

The takeaway

This study provides compelling evidence of the significant public health threat posed by chronic exposure to particle pollution from wildfire smoke, underscoring the critical importance of addressing climate change and improving forest management to protect vulnerable communities.