Gaps in wildfire smoke education highlight need to better protect vulnerable populations

by COPD Foundation

edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin

Lisa Lock

Scientific Editor

Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process

Andrew Zinin

Lead Editor

Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process Editors' notes

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

proofread

The GIST Add as preferred source

Wildfire smoke can trigger breathing problems and flare-ups for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet many people are not receiving the trusted health information they need to stay safe, according to a new study published in the May 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.

Wildfire smoke negatively affects air quality across the United States and is a leading cause of pollution. It is especially dangerous for people with COPD, often triggering breathing difficulties and exacerbations. COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth-leading cause of death worldwide.

In this new study, researchers interviewed people living with COPD who were enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Northern California and had lived near significant wildfire events in the past to explore participants' understanding of wildfire smoke, protective behaviors, and information sources.

Interview responses revealed that most people rely on smartphone apps and online information for air quality information, have not had conversations with their doctors about how air quality negatively affects their health, lack knowledge about mitigation strategies (indoor air purifiers, vehicle air recirculation button) and prefer real-time guidance from their health care team when air quality becomes a health risk.

"Some patients are already monitoring air quality, but not all," said Laura C. Myers, M.D., MPH, of Kaiser Permanente Northern California and senior author of the study. "We need to make sure that people with COPD receive accurate, actionable guidance from trusted sources in real time so they can take action to protect themselves. Patient-centered approaches to wildfire preparedness can help the most vulnerable people prepare for and respond to air-quality events before their symptoms get worse."

More information

Jimmy Yao et al, Understanding COPD Patients' Perspectives on Utilizing Strategies to Limit Their Exposure to Wildfire Smoke, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation (2026). DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.2025.0682

Key medical concepts

COPDAir Pollution

Clinical categories

Pulmonary medicineCommon illnesses & Prevention Provided by COPD Foundation Who's behind this story?

Lisa Lock

BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →

Andrew Zinin

Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →

Citation: Gaps in wildfire smoke education highlight need to better protect vulnerable populations (2026, June 23) retrieved 23 June 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-gaps-wildfire-highlight-vulnerable-populations.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.