How toxic is wildfire smoke?
Some wildfire smoke plumes are more toxic than others, depending on the geology where a fire burns. Stanford scientist Scott Fendorf explains why.
Wildfire smoke can be far more toxic than other forms of pollution that degrade air quality. But not all plumes are alike.
According to research from Stanford soil scientist and biogeochemist Scott Fendorf, the geology where a fire burns shapes which metal particles, such as chromium, nickel, and lead, end up in smoke.
“Where the fire burns matters, and it matters a lot,” said Fendorf, the Terry Huffington Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. He recently explained the science and strides toward better smoke toxicity forecasts. Watch the video:
Professor Scott Fendorf presented his research on wildfires and air quality at the Stanford Sustainability Forum on April 30, 2026.
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