Wildfires release a range of known human carcinogens and tend to occur in the same regions each year. As a result, long-term exposures to wildfire pollutants are a concern and will probably increase cancer risk in exposed populations. Actionable solutions are available to reduce exposures and mitigate these risks.
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BC Center for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Health-Environment/BCCDC_WildFire_FactSheet_BoxFanAirFilters.pdf
CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/newsinteractives/features/the-monster-of-jasper
LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-02-07/l-a-firestorms-vital-questions
Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-smoke-turn-the-sky-orange/
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Weichenthal, S. We cannot ignore the cancer risks of wildfires. Nat Rev Cancer 25, 219–220 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41568-025-00804-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41568-025-00804-z
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