Wildfire smoke far deadlier than thought.
Wildfire smoke's death toll underestimated by 93%, study finds.
Why it matters
- Wildfire smoke is far more dangerous than previously believed.
- Health impacts significantly underestimated.
By the numbers
- 535 average annual deaths in Europe from wildfire smoke (2004-2022).
- Expected deaths under standard methods: 38 per year.
- Mortality rises 0.7% (all-cause), 1% (respiratory), 0.9% (cardiovascular) per extra microgram of PM2.5.
The big picture
- Wildfires contribute significantly to air pollution deaths.
- Climate change increases wildfire occurrence and intensity.
What they're saying
- Wildfire particles have stronger health impacts than assumed (Prof. Cathryn Tonne).
- Wildfires increasing with climate change (Prof. Antonio Gasparrini).
Caveats
- Study only looked at short-term effects.
- Data variability and ozone separation limitations.
What’s next
- More wildfires expected with climate change.
- Wildfire impacts spreading northward in Europe.