Researchers have found that exposure to wildfire smoke may heighten the risk of developing dementia.
A comprehensive 10-year study involving over 1.2 million individuals in southern California—an area prone to frequent wildfires—indicates that wildfire smoke poses significant threats to brain health.
The findings were revealed by the Alzheimer’s Association during their International Conference held in Philadelphia on Monday.
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The study highlighted that wildfire smoke contributes to an increased dementia risk more significantly than other pollutants, such as emissions from vehicles and industrial activities known as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to a press release from the Alzheimer’s Association.
A decade-long study involving over 1.2 million people in southern California—an area frequently affected by wildfires—revealed that wildfire smoke is “particularly hazardous” to brain health. (iStock)
Researchers found that the tiny droplets in wildfire smoke have a “significantly stronger” impact on dementia risk even at lower exposure levels.
Furthermore, elevated levels of PM2.5 are associated with increased risks of heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight.
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The study evaluated data from Californians aged 60 and older from 2009 to 2019, assessing participants’ exposure based on their residential locations.
The findings revealed a 21% rise in the likelihood of a dementia diagnosis with each additional microgram of PM2.5 per cubic meter.
Researchers examined the health records of 1,227,241 residents in southern California, all of whom were undiagnosed with dementia at the beginning of the study. (iStock)
Dr. Claire Sexton, senior director of scientific programs and outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association, stated to Fox News Digital that air pollution is detrimental to brain health, with prior studies linking PM2.5 to dementia.
“Each year, approximately 44 million individuals encounter unhealthy air quality conditions due to wildfires globally.”
Sexton suggests that enhancing air quality might aid in preserving cognitive functions and mitigating dementia risk.
“Annually, approximately 44 million people worldwide are exposed to unhealthy air quality as a result of wildfires,” she continued. “The frequency, severity, and duration of wildfires are all escalating globally.”
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According to Sexton, this new study presents several factors that make wildfire smoke particularly harmful.
Wildfires generate smoke at higher temperatures, which results in a greater concentration of toxic chemicals compared to other sources of air pollution.
Trees ignite during the Park Fire near Chico, California, on July 26, 2024. (Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Additionally, smoke from wildfires generates PM2.5 with a smaller diameter compared to other pollution sources, Sexton added.
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“Given the increasing global incidence of wildfires—including those currently affecting California, Oregon, Alaska, and the southwestern U.S.—exposure to wildfire smoke presents an escalating threat to brain health.”
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Research indicates that during “poor air quality days” in California, wildfires contribute to over 70% of total fine particulate exposure, according to Sexton.
A firefighter monitors a prescribed burn amid the Max Fire in Lancaster, California, on June 16, 2024. (DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images)
“This is a significant concern,” she noted.
To mitigate exposure risk, Sexton advises people to upgrade their home air filtration systems and remain indoors during periods of unhealthy air quality.
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Additionally, researchers recommend wearing N95 masks outdoors when the Air Quality Index exceeds 100.
