Fiery data hint that controlled forest fires benefit human health

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT

17 June 2026

Analysis of wildfire in California suggests a net reduction in exposure to blaze-related air pollution.

The practice of deliberately setting forests on fire to clear out flammable debris reduces air pollution from later uncontrolled fires — an effect that has long-term health benefits1.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-01868-z

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