August 6, 2025

New Study Reveals Long-Lasting Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke

Why Ongoing Air Quality Monitoring Matters

A new study from researchers at Mount Sinai and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has revealed that exposure to wildfire smoke can cause serious health effects that last up to three months after the fires are over. This groundbreaking research, published in Epidemiology (May 28, 2025), highlights the long-term risks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke, especially in vulnerable communities.

The study analyzed over 21 million hospitalizations across 15 U.S. states and found strong links between PM2.5 exposure and increased cases of:

Asthma and COPD flare-ups
High blood pressure and heart attacks
Hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular issues

These effects were especially pronounced in low-income neighborhoods and for individuals with a history of smoking, demonstrating a clear need for continuous air quality monitoring—not just during a wildfire, but long after the smoke has cleared.

How TELLUS Helps Communities Monitor and Respond to Wildfire Smoke

At TELLUS, we understand that air pollution from wildfires doesn’t stop when the flames go out. Our AirU Pro monitors and AirView dashboard offer real-time and historical air quality data, including PM2.5 levels, to help schools, city leaders, and families:

Track lingering pollution after a wildfire
Set custom alerts for unsafe breathing conditions
Make data-informed decisions about outdoor activity, safety protocols, and community health response

With forecasting and Nowcast options available through our AirView iframe integrations and API, it’s never been easier to get ahead of poor air quality events—whether you’re managing a city, a school district, or just trying to keep your family safe.

Better data means better decisions.