Medford Tops List as Smokiest City in US While Residents Battle Health Risks from Wildfire Haze

MEDFORD, Ore. — A recent AGU (Advancing Earth Sciences) study of mountain cities in Oregon rated Medford, Bend, and Grants as the top three smokiest cities in the US from 2019 to 2023, but Medford was the smokiest.

Survey Says Medford, Bend, And Grants Pass Are The Smokiest Cities Nationwide

Supporting over half a million advocates and professionals in Earth and space sciences globally, AGU published the study authored by Dan Jaffe, Haebum Lee, Daniel Goldberg, and Katelyn O’Dell.

Jaffe presented the research to over 30,000 scientists at AGU’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The researchers used an algorithm to measure the effects of wildfires and smoke faster. Two sets of data were collected through satellite images of smoke, and particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less was collected at ground level.

The researchers also obtained health data from hospitals to see what impact smoke had on emergency room visits during hazy and smoky days.

Many Medford residents can attest to smoke-related health issues, with some ending up in anaphylactic shock and several having to go to the hospital.

Others report being put in danger as pre-existing conditions causing further distress over the smoky season, particularly those with asthma.

More severe consequences include lung collapse, and for the elderly, a significant amount of smoke can be a death sentence.

In addition, quality of life is affected, as many can’t go outside over the summer months and enjoy outdoor leisure activities.

Residents have to carry epi-pens, take consistent Benadryl, rely on masks and air filters, use oxygen tanks, and be outside.