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Study: Wildfire Smoke Releases More Harmful Gasses than Expected
Wildfire smoke contributed up to 65% of fine particulate matter and 26% of carbon monoxide in Reno air during fire-prone months, impacting health and weather patterns.
- In Reno, a study led by DRI scientists Siying Lu and Andrey Khlystov measured air quality from 2017–2020, finding smoke from more than 106 wildfires impacted the city.
- With wildfires increasing in the Western U.S., researchers found wildland fires release 21% more organic compounds annually, with a global inventory estimating 143 million tons each year.
- Field measurements revealed wildfire smoke accounted for 56% to 65% of PM2.5, with aerosols acting as cloud nuclei up to 13 times higher on smoky days.
- Health data indicate fine aerosols penetrate deep lungs and carbon monoxide reduces oxygen delivery, while aerosol radiative effects both scatter sunlight and cause warming, impacting Reno residents.
- Using multiple tools, the researchers combined DRI rooftop instruments, downtown Reno EPA air monitoring station data, NASA and NOAA satellite/fire-location data, NOAA back-trajectory tool, and a machine-learning smoke-identification program to identify and automate real-time smoke event detection.
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New study analyzes air quality impacts of wildfire smoke
With wildfires increasing in frequency, severity, and size in the Western U.S., researchers are determined to better understand how smoke impacts air quality, public health, and even the weather. As fires burn, they release enormous amounts of aerosols -- the vaporized remains of burning trees and homes that enter the atmosphere and the air we breathe. Now, a new study dissects these aerosols and gases to pinpoint their potential effects on our …
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left1Leaning Right5Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
C 57%
R 36%
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