Smoke from Canada’s record-breaking 2023 wildfires may have caused more than 80,000 premature deaths worldwide, according to a new study. Published September 10 in the journal Nature, the research found that long-term smoke exposure affected an estimated 354 million people in North America and Europe, with 22,000 early deaths in Europe alone.
From May to September 2023, the fires scorched 18 million hectares, making them the largest in Canada’s history. Massive plumes of smoke traveled across the Atlantic, worsening air quality as far away as Europe and pushing pollution levels beyond the World Health Organization’s safe limit.
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.