safety
Wildfire smoke kills tens of thousands of people a year. Here's how it attacks the body
By Seth Borenstein | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· July 18, 2026
· 6 min read
Smoke from wildfires — which are burning more of the Northern Hemisphere as Earth warms — attacks nearly every system in the human body, killing tens of thousands of people a year, numerous medical studies show.
It attacks the body immediately, spiking asthma cases with increased ambulance run...
Key takeaway Mary Johnson, a Harvard School of Public Health environmental health scientist.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
For San Francisco residents, the threat of wildfire smoke is a pressing concern, given the city's proximity to wildfire-prone areas in the Bay Area. As the region experiences more frequent and intense wildfires due to climate change, the risk of smoke-related health issues grows. Local hospitals and emergency services may see an influx of patients suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as mental health issues, in the aftermath of a major wildfire. The city's vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children, are particularly at risk. Furthermore, the long-term effects of prolonged smoke exposure, such as increased risk of cancer and dementia, should prompt city officials to develop strategies for mitigating the health impacts of wildfire smoke on San Francisco's residents. This may include improving air quality monitoring and notification systems, as well as providing resources for residents to protect themselves from smoke exposure.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Smoke from wildfires — which are burning more of the Northern Hemisphere as Earth warms — attacks nearly every system in the human body, killing tens of thousands of people a year, numerous medical studies show.
It attacks the body immediately, spiking asthma cases with increased ambulance run...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Seth Borenstein | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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