By Tarun Sai Lomte Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc. Sep 17 2025 Scientists warn that surging fire-related PM2.5 is eroding progress in clean air and fueling a growing global health burden. Global health burden from acute exposure to fine particles emitted by fires . Image Credit: josh.tagi / Shutterstock Eastern Europe's fire surge outpaced that of Central Europe: While both regions saw rising fire-PM2.5 levels, Eastern Europe experienced significantly sharper increases (0.06 μg/m³ per year