Wildfire smoke poses greater risk for brain than other air pollutants, study finds 

Researchers found that exposure to PM2.5 from wildfire smoke significantly increased the risk of dementia diagnosis, even with lower exposure levels, compared to PM2.5 from other sources.  

Read more: Texas wildfire engulfs record 1.1 million acres, marks state’s largest blaze ever 

While non-wildfire PM2.5 also raised the risk of dementia, the effect was not as pronounced as that from wildfire smoke. 

Additionally, high levels of PM2.5 have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight. 

Claire Sexton, DPhil, Alzheimer’s Association senior director of scientific programs and outreach, said, “With the rising global incidence of wildfires, including in California and the western US, exposure to this type of air pollution is an increasing threat to brain health.” 

Sexton also called for policies to prevent wildfires and investigation of better methods to address the problem. 

Read more: Parts of US face worst air quality in 25 years, report says  

Holly Elser, MD, PhD, and the study’s first author, noted several reasons why PM2.5 produced by wildfires might be more hazardous to health. They are produced at higher temperatures, contain a greater concentration of toxic chemicals, and, on average, are smaller in diameter than PM2.5 from other sources. 

 She said more research needs to be done to determine the exact mechanisms. 

The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest gathering of researchers worldwide focused on Alzheimer’s and other dementias.