safety
Wildfire smoke kills tens of thousands of people a year. Here's how it attacks the body
By Seth Borenstein | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 18, 2026
· 6 min read
Smoke from wildfires — which are burning more of the Northern Hemisphere as Earth warms — attacks nearly every system in the human body, killing tens of thousands of people a year, numerous medical studies show.
It attacks the body immediately, spiking asthma cases with increased ambulance run...
Key takeaway Mary Johnson, a Harvard School of Public Health environmental health scientist.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The impact of wildfire smoke on Los Angeles residents is a pressing concern, given the city's proximity to wildfire-prone areas and its history of poor air quality. As the number of wildfires increases due to rising global temperatures, Angelenos can expect to see more frequent and severe smoke events. This is particularly worrisome for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, who are more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoke. The city's emergency services and healthcare systems must be prepared to handle the surge in asthma cases, heart attacks, and other smoke-related illnesses. Furthermore, the long-term risks associated with prolonged smoke exposure, including increased risk of cancer and dementia, underscore the need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke on public health in Los Angeles. Local health officials should prioritize education and outreach efforts to inform residents about the dangers of wildfire smoke and provide guidance on how to protect themselves.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Smoke from wildfires — which are burning more of the Northern Hemisphere as Earth warms — attacks nearly every system in the human body, killing tens of thousands of people a year, numerous medical studies show.
It attacks the body immediately, spiking asthma cases with increased ambulance run...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Seth Borenstein | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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