CORVALLIS, Ore. — A recent study from Oregon State University has revealed alarming findings about the deadly impact of wildfire air pollution, attributing 15,000 deaths over the past 15 years to human-caused climate change. The research highlights that more than a third of these deaths have occurred since 2020.
Researchers explained that the warming climate is intensifying wildfires, which in turn release more fine particulate matter into the atmosphere. These particulates are so minuscule that they can be inhaled and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.
The scientists estimate that during the study period a total of 164,000 deaths resulted from wildfire PM2.5, particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. They determined that 15,000 of those deaths were attributable to climate change – meaning that absent climate change, the total would have been 149,000…