Wildfire Smoke Significantly Increases Dementia Risk, Study Shows

Research on over 1.2 million Californians reveals wildfire smoke poses greater dementia risk than other pollutants.

Wildfire smoke exposure raises dementia diagnosis odds by 23% per 1 microgram increase in PM2.5 concentration.
Non-wildfire PM2.5 exposure increases dementia risk by 3% per 3 micrograms increase in concentration.
The study highlights stronger effects among Asian, Black, Latino, and high-poverty communities.
Wildfire particles, produced at higher temperatures, contain more toxic chemicals and are smaller than other PM2.5 sources.
The findings emphasize the need for targeted health resources to mitigate disparities in wildfire smoke exposure.