safety
Wildfire smoke kills tens of thousands of people a year. Here's how it attacks the body
By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 17, 2026
· 5 min read
Smoke from wildfires — which are burning more of the Northern Hemisphere as Earth warms — attacks nearly every system in the human body, killing tens of thousands of people a year, numerous medical studies show.It attacks the body immediately, spiking asthma cases with increased ambulance runs wi...
Key takeaway Scientists have found it can harm the brain, the skin and men's sperm, with almost no system of the body spared, Johnson said.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
For residents of Piney Point Village , the growing threat of wildfire smoke is a concern that hits close to home. As global temperatures rise, the risk of wildfires and their toxic smoke increases, posing a significant threat to the health and well-being of local residents. The fact that smoke from wildfires can attack nearly every system in the human body, causing immediate and long-term health problems, is particularly alarming for the village's older population, who are more prone to stroke and other cardiovascular issues. Additionally, the potential harm to pregnant women and young children is a concern for families in the area. As the Houston area experiences more frequent and severe wildfires, it is crucial for local authorities to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke and protect the health of Piney Point Village residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Smoke from wildfires — which are burning more of the Northern Hemisphere as Earth warms — attacks nearly every system in the human body, killing tens of thousands of people a year, numerous medical studies show.It attacks the body immediately, spiking asthma cases with increased ambulance runs wi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Seth Borenstein, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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