Ryan W. Allen – The Conversation

A wildfire burns as an empty street in Jasper, Alta. is shown in this July 24, 2024 handout photo from the Jasper National Park Facebook page. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Facebook, Jasper National Park)

July 26, 2024

As wildfires become more frequent and intense, how will persistent smoke exposure affect long‑term health?

Stephanie Cleland, Simon Fraser University and Ryan W. Allen, Simon Fraser University

As communities are exposed to wildfire smoke more regularly and over longer durations year after year, it is critical to consider what these changing exposure patterns mean for our long-term health.

Thick wildfire smoke blankets the landscape near Water Valley, Alta., in May 2023. Evidence linking wildfire smoke with adverse health effects has been accumulating for years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

August 27, 2023

Wildfire smoke is an increasing threat to Canadians’ health

Ryan W. Allen, Simon Fraser University and Stephanie Cleland, Simon Fraser University

The notion that wildfire smoke is ‘natural,’ and therefore less harmful than other types of air pollution, is not supported by the evidence. Wildfire smoke has been linked to adverse health effects.

Contact Ryan for