The Costly Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Health and Economy.

Wildfire smoke, intensified by climate change, is causing hazardous air quality across the eastern United States, leading to increased health risks and economic costs. The tiny particles in smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing a range of health problems, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, and cancer. The increased frequency of wildfires is reversing the improvements in air quality since the 1970 Clean Air Act, and the costs of air pollution are staggering, including increased hospitalizations, missed work and school days, and lower worker productivity. Workers in the US are losing $125 billion a year due to wildfire smoke, and businesses and governments can take steps to reduce the toll of air pollution, including widespread electrification to reduce emissions from transportation and factories.