Extreme Heat and Wildfire Smoke Together Can be a Fatal Combination

Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular stress. Wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, worsen respiratory conditions, and increase the risk of heart and vascular problems.

Either hazard can be dangerous on its own.

When extreme heat and wildfire smoke occur at the same time, however, the health risks can become even more severe. Research has found that prolonged exposure to both hazards together is associated with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events, including fatal heart attacks, compared to exposure to either condition alone.

Scientists and public health officials are increasingly concerned about this combination because climate change is contributing to more frequent heat waves and, in some regions, longer and more intense wildfire seasons.

Why Heat and Smoke Are a Dangerous Pair