Wildfire smoke has reversed US progress toward ozone air quality, study finds
Summary
A new study shows that wildfires have stopped the progress the US made in reducing ground-level ozone pollution since 2015. Wildfire smoke releases gases that increase ozone, harming air quality and causing hundreds of premature deaths every year.Key Facts
- Wildfires in the US have increased pollution that forms ground-level ozone, which harms health.
- Before 2015, ground-level ozone levels were decreasing, but since then, they have started to rise again.
- Wildfire smoke spreads far from where fires burn, affecting air quality hundreds of miles away.
- The study links increased ozone from wildfires to about 318 premature deaths annually since 2013.
- Monitoring data for ozone levels is limited, so researchers used satellite data and computer models to study the trend.
- California has experienced deadly and destructive wildfires, including a fire in 2025 that killed 31 people and destroyed over 16,000 buildings.
- Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles (PM2.5) that can enter lungs and blood, causing serious health problems.
- Scientists say fighting climate change and preventing wildfires can improve air quality and public health.
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