Wildfire Smoke Exposure Raises Preterm Birth Risk by 7% Per Unit, Highlighting Summer Pregnancy Health Dangers

Wildfire smoke — one of the fastest-growing sources of air pollution in the United States — significantly increases the risk of preterm birth, with exposure during the second trimester posing the greatest health risk to pregnant women. University of Washington research analyzing 20,000+ births confirms wildfire smoke raises preterm birth risk by 7% per exposure unit.