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Intra-Continental Transport of Western Wildfire Smoke Heightens Health Risks Across North America

Author

Listed:
  • Erica D. Bruce

    (Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798-7266, USA)

  • Akinleye Folorunsho

    (Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798-7266, USA)

  • Nilkamal Jaisawal

    (Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798-7266, USA)

  • Emily Gaw

    (Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798-7266, USA)

  • Yang Li

    (Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798-7266, USA)

Abstract

Wildfires in North America, particularly in western states, have caused widespread environmental, economic, social, and health impacts. Smoke from these fires travels long distances, spreading pollutants and worsening the air quality across continents. Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions, face heightened health risks, as do firefighters working in extreme conditions. Wildfire firefighters are of particular concern as they are fighting fires in extreme conditions with minimal protective equipment. This study examined wildfire smoke during July–August 2021, when intense fires in Canada and the western U.S. led to cross-continental smoke transport and caused significant impacts on the air quality across North America. Using the GEOS-Chem model, we simulated the transport and distribution of PM 2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or smaller), identifying significant carcinogenic risks for adults, children, and firefighters using dosimetry risk methodologies established by the U.S. EPA. Significant carcinogenic risks for adult, child, and firefighter populations due to exposure to PM 2.5 were identified over the two-month period of evaluation. The findings emphasize the need for future studies to assess the toxic chemical mixtures in wildfire smoke and consider the risks to underrepresented communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Erica D. Bruce & Akinleye Folorunsho & Nilkamal Jaisawal & Emily Gaw & Yang Li, 2025. "Intra-Continental Transport of Western Wildfire Smoke Heightens Health Risks Across North America," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(2), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:2:p:226-:d:1584405
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hazra, Devika & Gallagher, Patricia, 2022. "Role of insurance in wildfire risk mitigation," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    2. Sara Reardon, 2018. "Raging wildfires send scientists scrambling to study health effects," Nature, Nature, vol. 561(7722), pages 157-158, September.
    3. Siyu Sun & Na Zheng & Sujing Wang & Yunyang Li & Shengnan Hou & Qirui An & Changcheng Chen & Xiaoqian Li & Yining Ji & Pengyang Li, 2022. "Inhalation Bioaccessibility and Risk Assessment of Metals in PM 2.5 Based on a Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry Model in the Smelting District of Northeast China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-16, July.
    4. Hong Li & Jianxi Su, 2024. "Mitigating wildfire losses via insurance‐linked securities: Modeling and risk management perspectives," Journal of Risk & Insurance, The American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 91(2), pages 383-414, June.
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