Health News How Wildfires Can Affect Human Health

Researchers uncover wildfire smoke's impact on respiratory health

Breathing wildfire smoke, even briefly, can change the bacteria and immune cells in your lungs, which may contribute to adverse health effects. Read More

Wildfire smoke exposure may affect fertility, study finds

A new study from UW Medicine finds that wildfire smoke exposure may affect fertility. Researchers analyzed samples from 84 men undergoing fertility treatments between 2018 and 2022. In 2018, 2020, and ... Read More

'There are more opportunities for fires to get started': UNC doctor on health effects of wildfires and what you can do

With smoke from Canadian wildfires coming to North Carolina for the second time in June, it has people concerned on the overall effect it will have on there health. WRAL News spoke with a doctor at ... Read More

Study: Wildfire smoke kills 41K people in U.S. per year

Every summer, hazy skies and the smell of burning wood remind Americans that wildfires affect far more than just the communities where they ignite. Their smoke drifts for hundreds, even thousands of ... Read More

Wildfire smoke found to reduce sperm quality in new study

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Wildfire season may be over, but new research indicates a hidden toll still lingers among many. Researchers at the University of Washington found that wildfire smoke exposure ... Read More

New Study Links Wildfire Smoke to Premature Births

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 5, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Wildfire smoke may do more than harm the lungs. New research shows it could also raise the risk of premature birth. A large study from the University of ... Read More

Researchers issue warning on overlooked factor that can increase cancer risk: 'Current and future human health concerns'

Smoke from wildfires changes certain fat molecules in lung tissue, which may trigger inflammation and increase cancer risks, according to a study published in Science of the Total Environment. Read More

New UCLA data shows wildfires hurt our health and our wallets

With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support ... Read More

Mental health and well-being: IAWF position statement

The IAWF board has released a position paper Health & Wellbeing in the Wildland Fire Sector, which outlines actions the association will take to ensure everyone involved in the wildland fire sector is ... Read More