The health effects of wildfire smoke

Worker approaches a blazing wildfire in a forest.

DEOHS wildfire experts are investigating how smoke affects our health and strategies to reduce its impacts

 

DEOHS wildfire smoke experts were featured in a recent webinar hosted by the UW School of Public Health

Wildfires are natural and inevitable in our forestlands. Climate change is making our wildfire seasons longer, hotter and more dangerous.

The UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) has a long history of leading research into the impacts of wildfires on human health.

Through our research and outreach activities, DEOHS faculty and students are building our understanding of how wildfire smoke can damage our health and the best ways to protect people and communities from harm.

Learn about our impact, research and expertise below.

Our impact

A plume of wildfire smoke behind the center of a small town showing brick buildings and cars.

6 ways communities can prepare for wildfire season

As smoke season continues in Washington, a new report outlines the best ways to communicate health and safety risks

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A woman wearing a headset stands at a listening station next to a tall portrait of a doctor, while two girls next to her look at a second tall portrait of a woman.

Telling the story of wildfire smoke risks

New art installation in Washington features trusted community members sharing how wildfire smoke affects their health—and how they cope

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The Seattle skyline on a foggy or smokey day with the freeway leading into it

At every age, cleaner air means better health

Tiny pollution particles can cause major health problems. Our research shows how to minimize your risk.

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A forest fire on a ridge against a darkened sky next to a river with a bridge crossing.

Keeping forests and people healthy

Consensus approach proposed to protect human health from intentional and wild forest fires

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Woman in hijab and safety glasses pours tan-colored liquid from a large bucket into a large beaker.

Building community resilience to climate change

DEOHS grad student Daaniya Iyaz studies how wildfire smoke impacts kids’ health

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Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire Smoke Rule

A study of the Washington state Wildfire Smoke Rule to protect outdoor worker health funded by the UW Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies

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In the news

UW Study: Wildfire smoke impacts sperm quality
October 1, 2025 | KXLY | Featured: Tristan Nicholson View

Wildfire smoke now kills 41,000 Americans a year, study finds
September 19, 2025 | HealthDay | Featured: Joel D. Kaufman View

Wildfire smoke to drift into greater Seattle area, impacting air quality
September 15, 2025 | Fox 13 | Featured: Coralynn Sack View

Climate activists cite health hazards in bid to stop Trump from ‘unleashing’ fossil fuels
September 11, 2025 | KFF Health News | Featured: Kristie L. Ebi View

Scientists denounce Trump administration’s climate report
September 2, 2025 | The New York Times | Featured: Kristie L. Ebi View