2020 Smoke Waves

The document describes how rising temperatures and forest management issues are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfire smoke waves in the Western U.S. It highlights the danger of PM2.5 particles, which can enter the bloodstream and exacerbate respiratory conditions, potentially increasing the risk of death from COVID-19. The text also notes that other pollutants, such as industrial emissions and tear gas, further increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

• Wildfire activity in the Western U.S. is increasing due to a combination of rising temperatures, the accumulation of fuel like pine needles on forest floors, and urban expansion into forested areas.
• Smoke waves—defined as at least two consecutive days of wildfire-specific PM2.5 at concentrations of at least 20 micrograms per cubic meter—are projected to intensify as heat-trapping pollution continues to raise temperatures and dry out forests and grasslands.
• PM2.5 particles from wildfire smoke pose significant health risks because they can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, diabetes, and death from COVID-19.
• Other air pollutants, including industrial emissions from refineries and tailpipes, as well as tear gas used by police, increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and COVID-19, particularly for low-income people of color with limited healthcare access.

APA

Climate Central (2020). 2020 Smoke Waves. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2020-smoke-waves

Chicago

Climate Central. 2020 Smoke Waves. 2020. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2020-smoke-waves.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Central |title=2020 Smoke Waves |date=10 June 2020 |url=https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2020-smoke-waves |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climatecentral20202020, author = {{Climate Central}}, title = {{2020 Smoke Waves}}, institution = {Climate Central}, year = {2020}, month = jun, url = {https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2020-smoke-waves}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }