Smoke Exposure Research Initiatives : Wildfire Smoke Exposure

Genome British Columbia is spearheading a critical research initiative examining the genetic and health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure. This addresses a growing public health concern as climate change intensifies fire seasons.

With British Columbia experiencing increasingly severe wildfires — over one million hectares burned in 2024 alone — the resulting smoke poses significant respiratory risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic lung conditions. Genome British Columbia has allocated funding to three distinct projects investigating wildfire smoke exposure at a genomic level, aiming to uncover how wildfire pollutants alter immune responses, influence childhood development, and exacerbate conditions like COPD and asthma.

Genome British Columbia’s research could inform future healthcare strategies, public policy, and personalized treatments to mitigate the long-term consequences of prolonged smoke exposure.

Image Credit: Genome British Columbia