Rural Health And Wildfire Smoke Impacts in 2026 Health Report

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) that can enter the lungs and bloodstream. Even short-term exposures to PM2.5 have been associated with increased risk of asthma exacerbations, respiratory illness, allergic reactions, stroke, and heart attacks, contributing to higher use of emergency care and hospitalizations.

In California, more counties have been impacted by wildfire smoke over time, with the average annual number of days with smoke per county more than doubling between 2010-2014 and 2020-2024. Read more at: Mymotherlode article