Smoke from the January 2025 Los Angeles fires. Credit: NASA
Los Angeles is battling intense wildfires, and scientists are eagerly trying to figure out the dangerous mix of pollutants released when homes and vehicles burn. Dr. Shantanu Jathar from Colorado State University is leading this effort, backed by a program aimed at studying atmospheric chemistry and climate effects. He’s using advanced tools to measure the unique air pollution caused by these fires.
Dr. Jathar’s research looks closely at fires happening in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where homes meet forested areas. He’s focusing on emissions from burning buildings and materials found in homes. To capture real-time pollution data during these fires, he has set up portable devices called “AirPens.” These tools measure harmful pollutants like PM2.5, black carbon, and various chemicals that pose health risks.
Interestingly, just like during the pandemic lockdowns, these fires provide scientists a chance to study air quality in a new way. The smoke from these destructive fires creates a complex, poorly understood mix of chemicals, much different from what we typically see. This research could help us understand the evolving threats of pollution from wildfires in urban areas.
