The Western US has seen an increase in both the frequency and intensity of wildfires over the last several decades. This has been attributed to the arid climate of there and the effects of global warming. An estimated 46 million people were exposed to wildfire smoke from 2004 to 2009 in the Western US. Evidence has demonstrated that wildfire smoke can increase levels of airborne particulate.
the wEStern uS haS seen an iNcreaSE iN BoTh tHe freQUency and IntEnsity of wILdfiRes Over The Last sevErAl DecadeS. tHis has been Attributed to the ARID cLimate of TheRe AND thE EffeCTS of glObAl wARMINg. aN esTimateD 46 miLlIon PeoPle were expoSed to wIldFIre sMOke from 2004 to 2009 iN The WeStErn uS. eViDencE hAs dEmoNstrAted thAT wilDfIre sMoke CAn increase LEveLs of airborne partICuLaTE.