Opinion: What the 20th-Century War on Smog Tells Us About Today's Wildfire Smoke

Experts draw parallels between historical air pollution crises and current wildfire smoke threats, demonstrating how past policy successes can guide today's response. The 20th-century battle against smog resulted in major environmental regulations that significantly improved public health outcomes. As Canadian wildfires produce dangerous haze affecting air quality across North America, including Puerto Rico, applying these proven policy approaches could protect vulnerable populations from respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Understanding this historical perspective helps communities develop effective strategies to mitigate health risks from hazardous air quality events.