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Europe ablaze: explosive wildfire season and its health toll

Portugal leads the EU in burned land percentage this year

Europe ablaze: explosive wildfire season and its health toll
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StarsInsider
20/08/2025 10:00 ‧ 3 hours ago | StarsInsider

HEALTH

Air safety

Southern Europe is facing one of its most devastating wildfire seasons in decades. Spain has seen more than 382,000 hectares destroyed (an area twice the size of London), while Portugal has lost over 216,000 hectares, making it the EU's worst-hit country proportionally. The fires have fueled severe air pollution, strained emergency services, and heightened concerns about the growing impact of climate change.

This pollution is not just an environmental issue—it is a health crisis. Wildfire smoke carries fine toxic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, raising the risk of respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, and other long-term health conditions. As climate change drives more frequent and intense fires, urgent steps are needed to protect communities and strengthen air quality measures.

So, what does this mean for you and your family? Understanding the risks of wildfire smoke is the first step toward staying safe. Click through now to learn more.

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