Wildfires in the United States are growing larger and lasting longer due to hotter and drier weather driven by climate change. Even when fires burn hundreds of miles away, wildfire smoke travels and settles over cities. According to experts, this smoke creates severe air pollution that threatens public health and causes significant economic challenges.
While environmental regulations like the Clean Air Act improved air quality significantly over the past 40 years, wildfire smoke is now eroding those gains. Recent research shows that smoke has erased about a quarter of that historical progress, and more than half in many western states.
Wildfire smoke impacts the economy in three main ways. First, reduced spending happens when people stay indoors, leading to fewer customers for local businesses and canceled outdoor events. Second, reduced productivity affects both indoor and outdoor workers because polluted air makes it harder to focus, and outdoor labor faces safety cancellations. Third, increased health care costs arise from respiratory illnesses and hospital admissions.
These high levels of exposure often affect lower-income households the most. Experts expect more disruptions to outdoor labor, school cancellations, and lost wages as high-smoke days become more common.
Difficult words
- pollution — harmful substances that make the air dirty and unsafe
- regulation — an official rule made by the governmentregulations
- productivity — a measure of how much work people can finish
- exposure — the state of being near or in something harmful
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How does bad air quality from wildfire smoke affect your daily routine and outdoor activities?
- What can local businesses do to protect their customers and workers during heavy smoke days?
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