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Based on Science

Since President Lincoln signed a congressional charter forming the National Academy of Sciences in 1863, the National Academies have served the nation by drawing on the knowledge of the country’s top experts to deliver nonpartisan, objective advice on scientific matters. Based On Science uses the community of experts to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based information about science and health questions that affect the decisions we make each day.

Do wildfires pose serious risks to human health?

Based on Science

Fires pose serious health risks even when they are not deadly. People in fire zones can suffer burns, breathing problems due to smoke inhalation, injuries, and other trauma from evacuations.

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Night long exposure photograph of the Santa Clarita wildfire in CA. The Santa Clarita Valley mountains has drawn firefighters and emergency crews in the hills toward Acton. So far, the fire has burned 38,346 acres.
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