safety
Wildfire smoke kills tens of thousands of people a year. Here's how it attacks the body
By Seth Borenstein | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories
· July 18, 2026
· 6 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 run...
Key takeaway Mary Johnson, a Harvard School of Public Health environmental health scientist.
Why this matters in Frisco News
As Frisco residents enjoy the outdoors, they should be aware of the potential health risks associated with wildfire smoke, which can travel long distances and affect local air quality. The city's location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, prone to hot and dry summers, makes it vulnerable to the impacts of wildfire smoke. With a growing population and increasing development, Frisco's residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, need to take precautions when wildfire smoke is present. The Frisco area's high percentage of families with young children and older adults also means that residents should be mindful of the potential risks of wildfire smoke, including increased asthma cases, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues. By staying informed about air quality and taking steps to minimize exposure, Frisco residents can protect their health and well-being during periods of high wildfire smoke.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories . Frisco News 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 NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories ·
Reading time: 6 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 run...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories and curated for Frisco News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Seth Borenstein | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories. To learn more about how Frisco News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Frisco News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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