California Wildfire Smoke Linked to Over 50,000 Premature Deaths in a Decade

New study reveals the long-term health impacts of wildfire smoke, emphasizing the need for improved forest management and climate action.

Researchers found that fine particulate matter from wildfires caused between 52,000 and 55,700 early deaths in California from 2008 to 2018.
The economic cost of these premature deaths is estimated to be between $432 billion and $456 billion.
The study highlights that wildfire smoke is more harmful to human health than other pollution sources.
Los Angeles County experienced the highest number of premature deaths due to wildfire smoke.
Experts call for urgent investments in forest management and climate mitigation to reduce future health impacts.