Researchers from the University of New Mexico have shown that inhaling smoke from wildfires can trigger neuroinflammation in the brain, with the hippocampus often affected. This region plays a crucial role in learning and memory. The findings were published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, adding a new layer to our understanding of how smoke exposure impacts brain health.
In the study, rodents were exposed to smoke from wood burning every other day over a 14 day period. The results demonstrated that combustion byproducts can cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective lining that shields the brain’s blood vessels from harmful substances. The inflammatory response in the brain persisted for up to 28 days after exposure, highlighting the lasting nature of wildfire smoke effects on neural tissue.
Two weeks into the exposure period, cells of the blood-brain barrier began to adapt to the polluted air. However, the brain’s immune system remained unusually active beyond this point, indicating a prolonged inflammatory state even after the initial exposure had ceased.
The study’s lead author explained that neuroinflammation is linked to a range of conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mood disorders, and alterations in neural development. The researchers emphasized that problems may emerge weeks or even months after inhaling wildfire smoke, underscoring the importance of understanding long-term consequences for brain health.
Public health guidance during wildfire season continues to emphasize minimizing exposure. People are advised to stay indoors when smoke levels are high and to wear appropriate protective masks, such as N95 respirators, when outdoor activity is unavoidable. These precautionary steps can help reduce inhalation of particulate matter known to contribute to respiratory and systemic inflammation.
Historically, clinicians have observed that wildfire smoke raises the risk of respiratory problems in young children. The current findings add to that context by suggesting potential downstream effects on brain health, especially for individuals with repeated or prolonged exposure to smoke. Ongoing research aims to clarify how these neural changes translate to cognitive or behavioral outcomes and to identify strategies for prevention and mitigation in vulnerable populations.