Do not inhale! How wildfire smoke 'affects the whole body'

""Your whole body is affected," said Yang Liu, Professor of Environmental Health at Emory University in Atlanta. "Wildfire smoke causes oxidative stress to your system and exacerbates or accelerates the development of diseases." In a study published in January 2026, Yang Liu and other researchers found that repeated exposure to even moderate amounts of smoke increases the risk of stroke among older adults."

"PM2.5 is made up of soot, dust, and other substances that act like sponges, binding toxic metals and organic compounds to them. If inhaled, PM2.5 particles can get into the lungs and bloodstream, from where they cause inflammation and damage to various other organs in the body. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to lung diseases like asthma, as well as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and cancer. Wildfire smoke is particularly dangerous for pregnant women."

Repeated exposure to even moderate wildfire smoke increases stroke risk among older adults. Long-term wildfire smoke exposure contributed to an average of 24,100 US deaths per year between 2006 and 2020. Wildfire smoke contains hazardous pollutants, with PM2.5 composed of soot, dust, and materials that bind toxic metals and organic compounds. PM2.5 can penetrate lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and damage across multiple organs. Chronic PM2.5 exposure links to asthma, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and cancer. Wildfire PM2.5 toxicity varies by burned materials and location. Pregnant women face higher risks including premature birth and low birth weight.

Read at www.dw.com