Impact of wildfire smoke waves on the association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter and cardiovascular hospitalizations among older adults in the United States

Background

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), even at concentrations below U.S. air quality standards. The frequency and severity of wildfires are increasing, causing episodic PM2.5 spikes. Our study examined whether associations between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and cardiovascular hospitalizations differed in the presence and absence of wildfire smoke waves.