The Oxidative Punch of Wildfires
2009
Impact of Wildfires on Air Quality
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Constantinos Sioutas, James Schauer, Flemming Cassee
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
Wildfire emissions generate larger aerosols that may cause more oxidative stress than traffic pollutants.
Conclusion
The study found that wildfire smoke contains larger particles that are more toxic and can cause greater oxidative stress compared to emissions from traffic.
Supporting Evidence
- Wildfire emissions generate larger aerosols than those produced by vehicles.
- Samples collected during fire days showed nearly 5 times more DTT activity than those collected in November.
- Larger particles from wildfires can persist longer in the atmosphere and infiltrate buildings more effectively.
Takeaway
Wildfires produce bigger and more harmful smoke particles than cars, which can make the air more dangerous to breathe.
Methodology
Air samples were collected during wildfire days and compared to post-fire samples to measure particulate matter and oxidative stress.
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