Fungal Spores in Wildfire Smoke Could Cause Lung Disease

Fungal Spores in Wildfire Smoke Could Cause Lung Disease

Extreme wildfire events are becoming more frequent globally, a pattern that carries a risk for human health. Inhaling smoke from fires can send small bits of particulate matter into airways, aggravating asthma and decreasing lung function. But another, far less understood danger is hitching a smokey ride alongside these aerosols: fungi. Researchers are increasingly recognizing how wildfire smoke can scatter microorganisms like fungi into the air…