CITIZENS NEWS

SUPER TOXIC SMOKE from California wildfires poses serious health risks

By kevinhughes // 2025-01-24

• Southern California is experiencing devastating wildfires that have burned nearly 40,000 acres, claimed 25 lives and displaced countless residents, with fires spreading through densely populated urban areas.
• The fires produce "super toxic" smoke laden with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic chemicals from burned buildings, posing severe respiratory and cardiovascular risks to millions, even those far from the fires.
• Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to chronic cardiovascular issues, cognitive decline, mental health problems and potential carcinogenic effects due to toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
• Estimated property and infrastructure losses range between $250 billion and $275 billion, potentially making this the costliest disaster in U.S. history, surpassing Hurricane Katrina.
• The crisis highlights the need for improved wildfire response and public awareness of smoke risks as fire seasons grow longer and more intense. Residents are advised to stay indoors, use air purifiers and wear N95 masks.

As wildfires ravage Southern California, millions face respiratory risks while experts warn of long-term health effects and record-breaking economic damage. Southern California is grappling with an unprecedented wildfire crisis, with fires burning through densely populated areas, releasing "super toxic" smoke that threatens the health of millions. The fires, which began in early January, have already consumed nearly 40,000 acres, claimed at least 25 lives and displaced countless residents. Health officials warn that the smoke – laden with fine particulate matter and toxic chemicals from burned homes and businesses – could cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues for millions, even those hundreds of miles away. With property damage estimates soaring to between $250 billion and $275 billion, this disaster could surpass Hurricane Katrina as the costliest in U.S. history. (Related: L.A. wildfires cause $250 billion in damages, becoming one of costliest disasters in U.S. history.)

Deadly effects of the super toxic smoke from California fires

The smoke from these wildfires is not just a nuisance – it's a public health emergency. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is the most dangerous component of wildfire smoke. These microscopic particles, smaller than one-twentieth the width of a human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory distress, heart problems and other serious health issues. "Wildfire smoke is super toxic to the lungs, more so than 'regular' smoke, because of the concentrations of fine particulates," said Don McKenzie, an assistant professor at the University of Washington's School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. Anne Kelsey Lamb, director of Regional Asthma Management and Prevention, added that PM2.5 can trigger asthma attacks, exacerbate chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and even lead to the onset of asthma in otherwise healthy individuals. What makes this situation particularly dire is the urban nature of the fires. Unlike forest fires, which burn primarily vegetation, these fires have consumed homes, businesses and vehicles, releasing toxic chemicals from plastics, paints and synthetic materials. "We don't really know the toxicity of a fire that includes so much in the way of buildings that have burned and anthropogenic materials," said Joel Kaufman, a professor of environmental health and medicine at the University of Washington. The health impacts of wildfire smoke extend far beyond immediate respiratory issues. Researchers at Northeastern University (NEU) are studying the long-term effects of smoke inhalation, particularly on firefighters and vulnerable populations. Chiara Bellini, an associate professor of bioengineering at NEU, explained that repeated exposure to wildfire smoke can accelerate aortic stiffening, a condition affecting the heart's main artery, and lead to chronic cardiovascular problems. Jessica Oakes, another Northeastern researcher, emphasized that the chemicals released during urban wildfires — such as formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide — are not only toxic but potentially carcinogenic. She pointed out: "The long-term challenges — we don't even have a great understanding of what those might be." Studies have also linked prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke with cognitive decline, including an increased risk of dementia, as well as mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Economic fallout: A record-breaking disaster

The economic toll of these wildfires is staggering. AccuWeather estimates the total damage between $250 billion and $275 billion – a figure that includes property loss, infrastructure damage and the long-term costs of rebuilding. The fires have devastated high-value areas like Pacific Palisades, where the average home is worth $3.5 million. The slow response to the initial outbreak has also drawn criticism. Michel Valentine, a former U.S. attorney who witnessed the fire's early stages, said it took nearly 45 minutes for a helicopter to arrive after his wife called 911. "It could have been confined. It wouldn't have touched any of the homes," Valentine lamented. The California wildfires represent a dual crisis: A public health emergency and an economic catastrophe. Millions are breathing in toxic smoke, with health effects that could linger for years, while the financial toll continues to mount. This disaster underscores the urgent need for better preparedness, faster response times, and greater awareness of the risks posed by wildfire smoke. For now, experts urge residents to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and wear N95 masks when venturing outside. The smoke may clear eventually, but the scars – both physical and economic – will remain for years to come. Follow Disaster.news for more news about the California wildfires. Watch Josh Sigurdson of World Alternative Media discussing the devastation caused by the Los Angeles fires in this clip. This video is from the World Alternative Media channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Mike Adams and Steve Quayle explore the hidden dangers of California wildfires: Are toxic dioxin clouds putting public health and food supply at risk? California Wildfires: Sabotage or systemic failure? Michael Yon and Mike Adams warns of deliberate conditions for disaster California wildfires spark conspiracy theories: Were fires set to trigger economic and ecological collapse? Sources include: EndOfTheAmericanDream.com News.Northeastern.edu LiveScience.com Brighteon.com

heart disease collapse toxins disaster toxic chemicals SHTF Southern California formaldehyde dangerous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons fine particulate matter carbon monoxide California wildfires badhealth badpollution PM2.5 health science wildfire smoke respiratory distress Pacific Palisades toxic smoke