More Than 50,000 Californians Killed by Wildfire Smoke in the Last Decade

As wildfire seasons worsen on the West Coast, researchers have dived into the long-term health impacts of chronic wildfire smoke exposure. And it’s done more damage than most of us could ever have expected. 

Wildfire Season Spreading

There is no doubt that the prevalence of wildfires has soared across the Golden State, causing widespread destruction in its wake. But what is often underestimated is the long-term health impacts of these wildfires. 

Smoke Signals

New research carried out at UCLA and published in the journal Science Advances shows that the wildfires themselves are far from the only risk – the smoke it gives off is a serious concern too.

New Research Breaking Through

Previously researchers knew relatively little about the impact of chronic wildfire smoke inhalation on the body, and only very limited funding was available to thoroughly research its effects.

More Than 52,000 Deaths

Now, researchers at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health have estimated that 52,480 and 55,710 people died prematurely in California between 2008 and 2018 due to wildfire smoke inhalation.

Sparking Inflammation

Breathing in heavy smoke for prolonged periods can cause inflammation, which can in turn worsen pre-existing health issues, such as heart problems, pushing them closer to life-threatening.

Only Short-Term Exposure Considered

Previous estimates were much lower, as research teams only considered the impact of short-term smoke exposure.

“An Ongoing Problem”

“Our numbers are higher than previous estimates because previous measurements considered the harms from short-term smoke exposure, but wildfire smoke is becoming an ongoing problem, and as a result, contributing to long-term disease formation,” said Rachel Connolly. 

Luskin Center for Innovation

Connolly is the lead author of the study and director of air quality research at the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, which focuses on “effective and equitable solutions to pressing environmental challenges through actionable research,” according to the official website.

A Personal Project

The research project is a personal one for Connolly, who grew up in California and experienced the side effects of smoke and air pollution from the wildfires firsthand.

A Coastal Fixture

Annual wildlife fires have always been a fixture of the West Coast, burning hundreds of thousands of acres of land every year. 

Economic Burden

The effects of chronic smoke inhalation aren’t limited to health either. The study estimates that these 50,000+ deaths have had an economic impact of atleast $432 billion.

Worsening Environmental Impact

Wildfires have become bigger, more frequent, and more extreme around the state in recent years, largely due to man-made climate change and inadequate forest management. 

The Deadliest Season in History

And some years have been worse than others. 2018, for example, was believed to be the deadliest and most destructive wildfire season in the state’s history, with nearly 2 million acres of land burned – approximately 2% of the state’s landmass.

12,000 People in 2018

While 85 deaths were reported as a direct result of the 2018 fires, it did not take into account deaths from long-term smoke inhalation. According to NPR, an estimated 12,000 people died prematurely from prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke.

Growing Bigger Over Time

And these fires are only getting bigger year on year. While neither year was as deadly as 2018, both 2020 and 2021 ushered in the two largest wildfire seasons ever recorded, with 2018 coming in third place. 

More Harmful Than Other Pollutions?

The study is the first of its kind and has also suggested that “particulate matter” found in wildfire smoke is more toxic and harmful to humans than particulate matter from other sources of pollution.

“A Very Important Step Forward”

“It’s overwhelming to really see that amount of death,” said David Rojas-Rueda, an assistant professor at the Colorado School of Public Health who focuses on environmental health. “This is a very important step forward.”

Beyond California

The problem of chronic smoke exposure from wildfires extends beyond California. Smoke from wildfires can spread far beyond its original burning point, affecting people’s health further afield than many might expect.

$6.7 Billion Commitment

The state and federal governments have both committed $6.7 billion to prevent, manage, and mitigate future wildfires across California. But considering the hundreds of billions that have already been lost in healthcare, property damage, and more, it is unlikely to be enough.

“We Need More Change”

“We need more change, and speed in that change,” said Rojas-Rueda. “[Or] next year, we’ll be talking about this again.”

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