Early study looks at impact of recent heatwaves on air quality
What is the PULSE-CF Innovation Hub?
The PULSE-CF Innovation Hub, funded by the Trust and LifeArc, and led by Professor Alex Horsley at the University of Manchester, aims to better understand the causes and triggers of exacerbations, and why people respond differently to treatment, in the hopes of improving how these flare-ups are prevented and managed for each person with CF. The PULSE-CF Innovation Hub is part of the wider Translational Innovation Hub Network for CF Lung Health and Infection.
The CF-Tracker study, part of the PULSE-CF Innovation Hub, aims to help study what triggers these flare-ups and who is most affected, by sharing samples and recording results at home. Some people with CF in the study are measuring air pollution levels inside their homes.
If you're interested in taking part in this study, you can visit our CF Trials Tracker page for more information.
What have the researchers found?
The researchers looked at the indoor air-quality records from a very small number (23) of homes in Greater Manchester between 1 and 26 July 2026. These data were taken from air quality monitors in the homes of people taking part in the CF-Tracker study. During this time, the nearby Pennine hills experienced two periods of wildfire activity.
The analysis has not yet undergone peer review, and is very early data, but found that:
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Being inside with the windows closed does not completely protect you from the smoke caused by wildfires
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When households opened widows as temperatures climbed to over 33 degrees, the problem seemed to get worse
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Every home exceeded the World Health Organisation’s 24-hour guideline for fine particle pollution (which can harm lung health) on 17 July, when outdoor smoke levels peaked.
Professor Alex Horsley, said: “These findings show the difficult challenges that people face during periods of wildfires and high environmental temperatures.
“Following the simple but often repeated instruction of going indoors and shutting the windows will only give you some protection from wildfire smoke, and keeps heat in the home. Both smoke and heat can make breathing worse for those with chronic lung conditions.”
Dr Thomas Bannan, lead Environmental researcher for the group said: “We need clearer, evidence-based guidance that helps households reduce exposure to both smoke and heat. I hope this new data can support these decisions.
“We are now investigating practical measures, including air filtration and approaches to keeping homes cool, so that people - especially those with existing respiratory conditions - have better options during future extreme events such as these.”
“Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles and gases that can irritate the lungs and make respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma and COPD worse. Exposure to wildfire smoke can increase symptoms including coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness, and may trigger severe flare-ups that require medical treatment.”
What do these results mean for people with CF?
It’s important to note that this analysis was from a very small number of homes, and the results are not yet peer reviewed. Poor air quality is a risk to everyone, especially those with conditions that affect the lungs, like cystic fibrosis.
Dr Lucy Allen, Director of Research and Healthcare Data at Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Cystic Fibrosis Trust and LifeArc are funding the PULSE-CF Innovation Hub to help us better understand the impact of different factors, including air pollution, on CF lung health and exacerbations. We need urgent action to tackle poor quality air, which is why the Trust is calling on Governments to tackle pollution at the source.