Wildfires Increase Ozone Levels, Threatening Health Across the West
Research indicates that the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the Western United States are significantly impacting air quality, raising serious health concerns for residents far from the flames. A study published in the journal Atmospheric Environment reveals that large wildfires, including those in California, Oregon, and Utah, contribute to increased ozone levels in the atmosphere, which can have detrimental effects on human health.
The research team, comprising experts from the University of Colorado Denver, University of Utah, and San Jose State University, focused on the major wildfires that occurred between August 15 and 26, 2020. During this period, over 1 million acres were consumed by wildfires across seven counties in California, leading to an estimated $12 billion in damages. Concurrently, Utah’s East Fork fire scorched 90,000 acres, and Oregon’s Lionshead and Beachie Creek fires burned a combined total of 400,000 acres.
Research assistant professor Derek Mallia led the study, which highlights how wildfire smoke indirectly increases ozone concentrations in the atmosphere. The study indicates that smoke from these fires contains chemical compounds that interact with sunlight to produce ozone, often occurring at significant distances from the fire itself. Jan Mandel, a mathematics professor emeritus at CU Denver, contributed to developing the computer code used to model these emissions.
Mandel explained that “wildfires do not emit ozone directly. Wildfire smoke contains chemical compounds that react with sunlight to produce ozone.” The research demonstrated that wildfire smoke increases ozone concentrations by an average of 21 parts per billion (ppb), contributing to levels that exceed the 70 ppb health standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The health implications of elevated ozone levels are serious. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, exposure can lead to symptoms ranging from coughing and throat irritation to long-term lung and cardiovascular diseases, and in severe cases, premature death.
Mandel’s expertise in applied and computational mathematics, coupled with his extensive research background, has positioned him as a significant contributor to the field of wildfire modeling. With nearly 200 published articles and recognition from institutions such as Stanford University and Elsevier, he has been listed among the top 2% of highly cited scientists worldwide. Although he retired from CU Denver in 2024, he continues to engage in research, particularly related to NASA projects.
Other contributors to the study include undergraduate student Cambria White and research scientist Angel Farguell, both affiliated with San Jose State University’s Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center. Funding for the research was provided by the Utah Division of Air Quality, NASA, and the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy at the University of Utah.
As wildfires continue to threaten vast regions of the West, understanding their impact on air quality and public health becomes increasingly crucial. The findings from this study underline the need for ongoing research and effective policy measures to mitigate the adverse effects of wildfires on the environment and human health.
