08/09/2026
Could the air we breathe affect what happens to patients with cancer?
A study published in 2025 examined more than seven million people diagnosed with cancer in the United States between 2000 and 2021.
The researchers found that greater exposure to fine particulate air pollution, known as PM2.5, and wildfires was associated with higher risks of death from cancer and other causes. The relationship between PM2.5 and cancer mortality was stronger in counties that experienced more wildfires.
This was a human patient study, but canine patients may also be vulnerable.
During smoky conditions, check the AQI (Air Quality Index), reduce outdoor activity, keep your pets inside, keep windows closed, and run a HEPA air cleaner or use a MERV-13 filter.
When wildfire smoke reaches your community, what do you do to protect the people and animals you love?
Study: VoPham T, et al. “Exposure to outdoor air pollution, wildfires, and cancer survival in the United States.” Cancer Epidemiology, 2025.
https://f.mtr.cool/fqhvvgamax