CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Over recent years, WCIA has reported extensively on the devastating wildfires occurring globally. In Central Illinois, a University of Illinois professor is examining how smoke from these fires impacts public health.

David Molitor from the Gies College of Business joined WCIA 3’s Amanda Brennan in the studio to talk about his research.

Molitor explained that his research team aimed to determine the prevalence of wildfire smoke in various regions of the country, including Illinois, and its effects on human health.

By analyzing satellite data that measures smoke plumes and correlating it with health outcome data, they found that on the days when smoke plumes are present, there is an increase in emergency room visits and fatalities.

You can read more about Molitor’s research here.