Wildfire smoke is deadly and getting deadlier. A recent study published in Nature estimates that if warming continues at the current rate, smoke exposure could kill 70,000 Americans a year by 2050… and researchers expect that Washington could feel some of the biggest impacts. 

Some researchers say the study points to some of the strongest evidence so far that climate change is endangering people in the United States. Smoke pollution can cause coughing and throat irritation, but it can also lead to long-term respiratory and heart issues. 

The West Coast in particular is expected to see the biggest increases in smoke pollution. 

So we’re bringing you another “ask a doctor” segment, where we ask medical professionals to give us the information we need to stay healthy. 

GUEST: Dr. James Wallace, a family medicine physician and the health officer for Okanogan County. 

RELATED LINKS: 
Wildfire Smoke Will Kill Thousands More by 2050, Study Finds
The Fifth Season — Clean Air Methow
Telling the story of wildfire smoke risks
Washington Smoke Blog

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Wildfire smoke is deadly and getting deadlier. A recent study published in Nature estimates that if warming continues at the current rate, smoke exposure could kill 70,000 Americans a year by 2050&hellip; and researchers expect that Washington could feel some of the biggest impacts.&nbsp;
Some researchers say the study points to some of the strongest evidence so far that climate change is endangering people in the United States. Smoke pollution can cause coughing and throat irritation, but it can also lead to long-term respiratory and heart issues.&nbsp;
The West Coast in particular is expected to see the biggest increases in smoke pollution.&nbsp;
So we&rsquo;re bringing you another &ldquo;ask a doctor&rdquo; segment, where we ask medical professionals to give us the information we need to stay healthy.&nbsp;
GUEST: Dr. James Wallace, a family medicine physician and the health officer for Okanogan County.&nbsp;
RELATED LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/climate/wildfire-smoke-health-deaths.html">Wildfire Smoke Will Kill Thousands More by 2050, Study Finds</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cleanairmethow.org/the-fifth-season">The Fifth Season &mdash; Clean Air Methow</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.deohs.washington.edu/hsm-blog/telling-story-wildfire-smoke-risks">Telling the story of wildfire smoke risks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/">Washington Smoke Blog</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

In our latest "Ask A Doctor" segment, we talk to the Health Officer of Okanagan County about what we should know regarding Wildfire Smoke.

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