According to a new study published in Science Advances, chronic exposure to PM2.5 particulate pollution from forest fire smoke is linked to 24,000 deaths in the US each year.[1] The study analyzed data from 2006 to 2020 and found that long-term exposure increases county-level mortality across the continental US.[1] PM2.5 from fires enters the lungs and bloodstream and contains toxic chemicals harmful to health.[1] Increased exposures are detectable even at low levels, and wildfire smoke becomes a significant risk factor.[1] According to similar research from 2011-2020, this smoke causes about 40,000 excess deaths per year, with a projection of up to 71,000 deaths by 2050 under high warming.[2][7] The largest increase in deaths is expected in states such as California, New York, Washington, Texas and Pennsylvania.[2] The study emphasizes the need for adaptation, such as better forest management and protection of vulnerable groups.[1]