UC San Diego environmental epidemiologist Tarik Benmarhnia is exploring the impact of wildfire smoke on human health.

You know wildfire smoke is bad for you. But do you know how bad?

Research from the University of California finds that breathing wildfire smoke takes a toll on our lungs — but also on our hearts, brains, immunity and other vital organs and bodily systems. In fact, while all air pollution is hazardous, the particles that make up wildfire smoke are up to ten times more hazardous for our health than smoke from “everyday” sources like traffic and industry.

“There is no safe level of exposure to air pollution,” says UC San Diego environmental epidemiologist Tarik Benmarhnia. Study after study has shown that higher concentrations and longer duration affect people more severely, but even small amounts of pollution can affect your health. “So we should do everything we can to reduce our exposure as much as possible.”

Learn how to protect yourself — and explore the research — at the UC Newsroom