The most dangerous component of wildfire smoke is fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5 or soot, which can embed in the bloodstream and threaten health.
Damage from smoke exposure is cumulative, especially with high concentrations of fine particulates, as they can lodge in small spaces within the lungs.
Air pollution, significantly from wildfire smoke, kills about 100,000 people in the US each year, impacting those with conditions like asthma and COPD.
Wildfire smoke can be particularly harmful to vulnerable populations including pregnant individuals, the low-income or unhoused, and young children whose lungs are developing.
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