Wildfire smoke contributes to up to 25% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across the U.S., with events like the 2021 U.S. West wildfires and 2023 Canadian wildfires transporting smoke thousands of miles. Despite its relatively low wildfire risks, the Northeast U.S. is experiencing increased long-transported wildfire smoke, exacerbating air quality issues and revealing a lack of preparedness. This region, with a demographic composition including a high proportion of older adults, individuals with preexisting health conditions, low-income households, and densely populated urban areas, is increasingly exposed to harmful pollutants like soot, carbon monoxide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which elevate risks of respiratory, cardiovascular, and pregnancy-related health issues.
This project aims to address gaps in public awareness, trust in air quality information, and preparedness for long-distance wildfire smoke through an interdisciplinary approach. Our objectives are twofold:
Assess public awareness of and behavioral responses to long-distance wildfire smoke
We will conduct a survey to evaluate how residents in the Northeast U.S. perceive wildfire smoke risks, access information, and respond to air quality events. The survey will examine protective actions, such as mobility adjustments and use of air purifiers, while identifying key information sources like social media, smartphone apps, and traditional media. Insights from this component will inform the focus of Component 2 by identifying which information sources are most relied upon and trusted, setting the foundation for understanding their accuracy and impact.
Quantify uncertainty in wildfire smoke information sources
We will evaluate the accuracy of key information channels residents rely on—such as smartphone apps, social media, and traditional media—during major wildfire smoke events. By comparing reported information (e.g., air quality data and smoke forecasts) to a validated observational baseline, we will identify spatial and temporal patterns of uncertainty, including urban-rural disparities. This analysis will reveal how these uncertainties affect public trust and the protective actions outlined in Component 1, helping to pinpoint populations disproportionately impacted by both behavioral barriers and unreliable information.
Based on survey results and uncertainty analysis findings, we will host a stakeholder workshop, inviting local NGOs, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, CDC representatives, and other community leaders (see collaborator list). The workshop will focus on addressing trust-uncertainty dynamics and co-developing tailored public communication strategies to improve preparedness. Outcomes will include stakeholder-informed recommendations and a roadmap for scalable outreach efforts to enhance transparency and community resilience.
This project bridges the fields of geography, environmental health, and information science to address the challenges posed by long-distance wildfire smoke. Using a mixed-method approach that integrates a comprehensive survey with data-driven analysis, we aim to provide actionable insights for policymakers and public agencies to improve transparency, trust, and preparedness in wildfire smoke communication strategies. These outcomes will not only strengthen community resilience in the Northeast U.S. but also contribute to broader strategies for mitigating the health impacts of wildfire smoke nationwide.
