Differential Effects of Wildfire Smoke Fine Particulate Matter Exposure on Respiratory Disease Emergency Department Visits in the Western United States.

ABSTRACT: Rationale: Wildfires significantly affect air quality in the western United States. Although prior research has linked wildfire smoke fine particulate matter (i.e., aerodynamic diameter ≦2.5 μm [PM_2.5]) to respiratory health outcomes, these studies typically have limited geographic and temporal coverage, lacking evidence from multiple states over extended periods. Objectives: To examine the differential acute effects of wildfire smoke and nonsmoke PM_2.5 exposure on respiratory disease emergency department visits in the western United States. Methods: We obtained data on more than 6 million emergency department visits for respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, upper respiratory infections (URIs), and bronchit

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12618982 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature