Wildfire smoke kills tens of thousands of people a year. Here's how it attacks the body

Wildfire smoke is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of individuals every year. This hazardous pollution actively attacks the human body, leading to severe health complications. Recent observations highlight the scale of this issue, as evidenced by the New York City skyline being obscured by a dense cover of wildfire smoke viewed from Jersey City, N.J., on Friday, July 17, 2026, demonstrating the widespread reach of these dangerous atmospheric conditions.