FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — Wildfire smoke is adding to small particle air pollution levels in the western United States.

A recent study used satellite images of wildfire smoke and data from pollution monitoring stations in a statistical model.

The data was taken from 2006 to 2008 and from 2016 to 2018.

Small particle air pollution is when particles are smaller than 2.5 micrometers.

When particles are that small, they can enter into a person's lungs and cause health problems.

The study concluded that if wildfire smoke particle matter is removed, numerous lives could be saved. 

But more research is needed.

While the pulmonary and cardiovascular consequences of wildfire smoke inhalation have been well researched, the risk of potential infection from airborne microbes has not. https://t.co/EhQYPDvsnu pic.twitter.com/Tqbl5Oa7ln

— Yale Environment 360 (@YaleE360) January 12, 2021

This study determined that smoke from wildfires in the west made up half of the small particle air pollution in that region.

The smoke also contributed to a rise up to 25% in small particle air pollution in other parts of the country.

The study determined that about 11% of wildfire smoke comes from outside the United States.

The research team determined that more prescribed burns in forests, which can prevent fires, could have large health benefits.

You can read more on the study here.