Study: Smoke particles from human-set fires cause more than 80% of smoke-related deaths

New research from MIT suggests that smoke pollution is rising, leading to more illnesses and premature deaths

January 26, 2023 07:26 PM

In this file photo, the interior of the San Gabriel Mission is seen in the aftermath of a 2020 fire in San Gabriel, Calif. A suspect in the fire, John David Corey, was ordered in December to stand trial.

By Leila Merrill
FireRescue1

BOSTON — A new study shows that smoke particles from fires set by people are responsible for more than 80% of smoke-related deaths per year.

The study, led by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also showed that smoke pollution is rising, making air quality worse and leading to more illnesses and premature deaths, according to Science Daily.

The study was published in Environmental Research Letters.

Fitness & Health Safety