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News in English (USA) / 17.07.2026 / 23:00

Wildfire Smoke Poses Serious Health Risks Comparable to Smoking Cigarettes

Recent reports indicate that inhaling wildfire smoke can have health impacts similar to smoking cigarettes. Experts suggest that in many areas, breathing wildfire smoke could be equivalent to smoking several cigarettes a day. For instance, studies show that individuals in regions affected by wildfires, such as Michigan and New Jersey, may be exposed to the equivalent of smoking up to 9 cigarettes daily. In some cases, air quality assessments in places like Minnesota have indicated a risk equivalent to smoking 19 cigarettes. To mitigate these health risks, individuals are advised to adopt protective measures including using masks, improving indoor air quality, and adjusting car ventilation settings. Understanding the gravity of wildfire smoke and its comparison to cigarette smoking is crucial for public health awareness.
NPR, Toronto Star, MLive.com, Patch, WXII, Cleveland.com, HuffPost, Yahoo, Yahoo Health, Cincinnati Enquirer