Wildfire smoke may impact anesthesia, surgical outcomes: Study

Pollutants absorbed into the body from wildfire smoke may affect the function of anesthesia and the outcome of surgery, particularly in children and other sensitive populations, researchers fear.

Wildfire smoke contains a mix of fine particles and chemicals, which collectively induce inflammation and decrease antioxidant levels, according to a special paper published in Anesthesiology on Tuesday.

Even in non-surgical settings, the authors noted, exposure to fine-particle pollution...