Environmental Studies and Forestry

New seasonal pattern of pollution emerges from changing North American wildfires

R. R. Buchholz, M. Park, et al.

Discover how worsening wildfire emissions in the Pacific Northwest are reshaping air quality across North America. This groundbreaking research reveals alarming increases in carbon monoxide from wildfires, affecting the health of millions. Conducted by leading scientists, including Rebecca R. Buchholz and Mijeong Park, this study highlights the urgent need to address the unseen consequences of wildfire pollution.

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Abstract

Rising emissions from wildfires over recent decades in the Pacific Northwest are known to counteract the reductions in human-produced aerosol pollution over North America. This study finds corresponding increases in carbon monoxide emitted from Pacific Northwest wildfires and observes significant impacts on both local and downwind air pollution. Between 2002 and 2018, Pacific Northwest atmospheric carbon monoxide abundance increased in August, modifying the seasonal pattern. These changes extend over large regions of North America, indicating that transported wildfire pollution could impact the health of millions.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Apr 19, 2022

Authors

Rebecca R. Buchholz, Mijeong Park, Helen M. Worden, Wenfu Tang, David P. Edwards, Benjamin Gaubert, Merritt N. Deeter, Thomas Sullivan, Muye Ru, Mian Chin, Robert C. Levy, Bo Zheng, Sheryl Magzamen

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