Smoke from wildfires increases risk of dementia more than other pollution

Wildfire smoke poses a greater risk of dementia than other types of air pollution, according to a new study.

Lois M. Collins reports for Deseret News.

In short:

PM2.5 pollution from wildfire smoke is more harmful to brain health than other sources of pollution.
A study of over 1.2 million people in Southern California showed a significant increase in dementia risk from wildfire smoke.
The Alzheimer’s Association urges policy changes to prevent wildfires and reduce exposure.

Key quote:

“Air pollution produced by wildfires now accounts for more than 70% of total PM2.5 exposure on poor air quality days in California. This is a real problem.”

— Dr. Holly Elser, neurology resident at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Why this matters:

With the increasing frequency of wildfires, understanding their impact on brain health is vital. Effective policies and personal precautions can help mitigate these health risks.

Related EHN coverage:

www.deseret.com

Smoke from wildfires increases risk of dementia more than other pollution

The brawl over the Colorado River is about more than water

Climate change is worsening conflict between Africa's farmers and nomadic herders

EU gets tough on carbon border tax on heavy industry, vows to protect domestic producers

Months after oil blast, a Black Louisiana town still awaits help

The year the US doubled down on critical minerals

Trump administration to dismantle National Center for Atmospheric Research

As Trump promotes coal, no respite for communities choking on the industry's dust

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.