Rising wildfire smoke exposure for US students and childcare centers

Research published in Environmental Research indicates that American children are facing more frequent exposure to wildfire smoke. Between 2006 and 2023, the mean number of days affected by smoke at public schools climbed from 6.8 to 54.4 annually. During this same timeframe, childcare facilities saw their yearly smoke days jump from 9.4 to 112.2 (323).

While the yearly count of U.S. wildfires has stayed fairly consistent near 70,000, the fires themselves have become more destructive, burning larger areas of land (323). These fires are major contributors to PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing heart or lung issues (323). In fact, wildfires are now responsible for nearly 50% of all PM2.5 in the country (323). Although the West experiences the most smoke, prevailing winds carry these particles across the nation toward the east, making this a widespread concern (323).

The study also highlighted that being indoors does not always prevent exposure (323). Researchers found that indoor air quality varies significantly among buildings, noting instances where PM2.5 levels inside certain schools actually exceeded the levels measured outside during smoke events (323). This suggests that indoor environments do not consistently safeguard students from outdoor pollution (323).

To protect children, experts suggest that educational centers need better preparedness, such as monitoring air quality and improving filtration (323). Recommended interventions include installing portable HEPA filters or upgrading HVAC systems, though the latter can be expensive (323). Such measures could help reduce exposure during smoke events (323).