safety
Wildfire smoke kills tens of thousands of people a year. Here's how it attacks the body
By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 5 min read
Smoke from wildfires — which are burning more of the Northern Hemisphere as Earth warms — attacks nearly every system in the human body, killing tens of thousands of people a year, numerous medical studies show.It attacks the body immediately, spiking asthma cases with increased ambulance runs wi...
Key takeaway Scientists have found it can harm the brain, the skin and men's sperm, with almost no system of the body spared, Johnson said.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio residents should be aware that the health risks from wildfire smoke are not limited to the immediate areas surrounding the fires. As a city located in a region prone to drought and wildfires, it's crucial for locals to understand the potential impacts on their health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The fact that wildfire smoke can cause inflammation and trigger a range of health issues, from asthma attacks to cardiovascular problems, means that San Antonians should take precautions to minimize their exposure to poor air quality. This is especially important given the city's proximity to areas that have experienced significant wildfires in recent years, and the potential for smoke to travel long distances and affect air quality in the region. By staying informed about air quality and taking steps to protect themselves, San Antonians can reduce their risk of health problems associated with wildfire smoke.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Smoke from wildfires — which are burning more of the Northern Hemisphere as Earth warms — attacks nearly every system in the human body, killing tens of thousands of people a year, numerous medical studies show.It attacks the body immediately, spiking asthma cases with increased ambulance runs wi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Seth Borenstein, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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