Study Says 52,000 People Died in the Last 10 Years from California Wildfire Air Pollution One Green Planet [Video]

California wildfires have long been associated with the destruction of property and landscapes. However, recent research reveals a more insidious threat in pollution from these fires has claimed over 52,000 lives in a decade. A study published in Science Advances, led by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, sheds light on the severe health impacts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emitted during these events from 2008 to 2018.

PM2.5 particles are tiny pollutants that can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing significant health risks. The study found that the health impact of these particles surpasses the immediate danger posed by the flames themselves. Over the ten years, PM2.5 Pollution from wildfires was linked to at least 52,480 premature deaths, with the economic cost estimated at $432 billion.

The health implications of PM2.5 are far-reaching. These particles are associated with a range of serious health issues, including premature death, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular problems. Particularly vulnerable …