According to a study published in the European Heart Journal, wildfire smoke increases the risk of stroke more significantly than car exhaust or industrial air pollution. In the United States alone, wildfires are responsible for approximately 17,000 stroke cases annually.
Latest research indicates that even a slight increase in fine particulate matter released into the air by wildfires substantially raises the risk of developing a stroke. It was determined that every $1 \mu g/m^3$ increase in smoke concentration raises the stroke risk by 1.3%. Notably, this figure is nearly double the harm caused by similar levels of pollution from road traffic or factories. This finding suggests that wildfire smoke is far more damaging to the brain and blood vessels.
Scientists reached this conclusion after a long-term analysis of data from more than 25 million people. Observations showed that the problem is particularly acute for populations living in rural and suburban areas, as fires primarily originate in less urbanized territories.
The smoke contains specific compounds that trigger inflammatory processes and oxidative stress in the body. These processes directly damage blood vessels and promote the formation of blood clots, which are the primary precursors to a stroke.
It is also crucial to realize that there is practically no safe threshold for smoke exposure. It is not only extreme cases that are hazardous to health, but also moderate yet persistent exposure to pollution.
To protect public health, specialists advise the population to maximize the use of indoor air filtration systems during wildfire seasons and to avoid physical activity in outdoor spaces.
