2023 Wildfire Smoke Redefined U.S. Air Quality Hotspots

New research shows Canadian wildfires brought record smoke pollution to Midwest and East Coast cities, impacting health nationwide.

A University of Washington study identified Medford, Grants Pass, and Bend, Oregon, as the smokiest U.S. cities from 2019 to 2023 based on satellite and PM2.5 data.
Canada's intense 2023 wildfire season caused unprecedented smoke pollution in Midwest and East Coast cities, including Detroit and Baltimore.
Wildfire smoke contributed to an additional 16,000 emergency room visits nationwide in 2023, with Detroit attributing one-third of PM2.5-related visits to smoke.
The study highlights the growing health risks of wildfire smoke, with 60% of asthma-related ER visits in Bend, Oregon, linked to smoke in 2023.
Researchers warn that climate change is increasing wildfire frequency and size, urging cities across the U.S. to improve preparedness for future smoke events.