New Study Links Wildfire Smoke to Premature Births

Key Takeaways

A study of 20,000 births found that wildfire smoke exposure increased the risk of preterm birth

Researchers found that the biggest risk came from smoke exposure during the second trimester

Pregnant people should have the appropriate tools during wildfire smoke events, researchers warn

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 5, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Wildfire smoke may do more than harm the lungs.

New research shows it could also raise the risk of premature birth.

A large study from the University of Washington found that pregnant people exposed to wildfire smoke were more likely to deliver early.

The findings, published Nov. 3 in The Lancet Planetary Health , are based on more than 20,000 births across the United States between 2006 and 2020.

About 10% of babies in the U.S. are born ear