Wildfire Smoke Increases Risk Of Mental Health Problems

MONDAY, April 7, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Smoke from wildfires driving you mad?

You’re not alone, a new study says.

Short-term exposure to air choked with wildfire smoke increases people’s risk of mental health problems, according to findings published April 4 in JAMA Network Open.

Hospital emergency rooms experience surges in patients with mental health conditions on days when smoke pollution is at its worst, researchers found.

“Wildfire smoke isn’t just a respiratory issue — it affects mental health, too,” said corresponding author Dr. Kari Nadeau, chair of environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.