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The harmful impacts of wildfire smoke are worse than previously believed

05:30
A person sits on a bench as a plume of smoke rises from the Palisades Fire, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, California. (John Locher/AP)
A person sits on a bench as a plume of smoke rises from the Palisades Fire, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, California. (John Locher/AP)

Scientists are learning more about the harms of wildfire smoke on human health.

Grist senior staff writer Matt Simon joins Here & Now's Indira Lakshmanan to discuss recent data showing how emissions, burned areas and harmful health impacts from wildfire smoke are more widespread than previously believed.

This segment aired on January 7, 2026.

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