Doctors Warn of 'Extreme Exposure' as Wildfire Smoke and Cedar Pollen Blanket Oklahoma

Smoke particles and cedar pollen pose serious health risks, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Doctors in Oklahoma are warning residents of an "extreme exposure situation" as wildfire smoke and cedar pollen blanket the state. The smoke particles, which can travel hundreds of miles, are small enough to pass through the lungs and into the bloodstream, posing serious health risks. At the same time, strong winds are carrying high levels of cedar pollen, triggering "Cedar Fever" allergies. Experts advise limiting outdoor activities, keeping windows closed, and using HEPA filters to protect against the dangerous combination of air pollutants.

Why it matters

Wildfire smoke and high pollen counts can have severe impacts on public health, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and emphysema. The tiny smoke particles are linked to premature death, heart attacks, and strokes when exposure is high. This situation highlights the growing challenges communities face from the intersection of climate change, air quality, and public health.

The details

Doctors say the wildfire smoke particles are just 2.5 microns in size, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Meanwhile, the cedar trees that thrive in Oklahoma's dry, windy conditions are releasing high levels of pollen that can trigger severe allergy symptoms known as "Cedar Fever." Experts recommend taking steps to limit exposure, such as staying indoors, using HEPA filters, and avoiding outdoor activities on high pollen count days.

  • Wildfire smoke has been blanketing Oklahoma for the past several days.
  • Cedar pollen levels have spiked in recent weeks due to the dry, windy conditions.

The players

Dr. Dean Atkinson

An allergy immunologist with the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic.

Dr. Greg Kremple

An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor with OU Health.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of that stuff is blown up from the south, and it could travel up to a thousand miles. So it really has no problem getting here.”

— Dr. Dean Atkinson, Allergy Immunologist (KFOR)

“The particles produced by fire are tiny particles. We talk about ones that are 2.5 microns.”

— Dr. Greg Kremple, ENT Doctor (KFOR)

What’s next

Doctors recommend that residents closely monitor air quality and pollen levels in the coming days and weeks, and take appropriate precautions to limit exposure, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

The takeaway

This extreme situation highlights the growing public health challenges posed by the intersection of climate change, air quality, and environmental factors like wildfires and pollen. Protecting vulnerable populations will require a multi-pronged approach of education, mitigation strategies, and long-term solutions to address the root causes.