Examining the effectiveness of public health interventions to address wildfire smoke, heat and pollutants

Wildfires are increasing in size and frequency worldwide, due in part to hotter and drier conditions caused by global climate change. In addition to the destruction of property and risk of injury from exposure to fire, wildfire smoke contains components known to be harmful to human health, including carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, and other hazardous air pollutants. The issue is particularly complex as wildfire smoke can significantly impact the air quality and introduce dangerous pollutants in areas far from where wildfires are taking place. This rapid evidence profile addresses the question "What is the evidence for the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of public health interventions that can be used to reduce the direct and indirect health impacts of exposure to wildfires, including wildfire smoke, combined heat-smoke events, and other pollutants associated with wildfires? "