The flames aren't the only harmful parts of wildfires. Exposure to the smoke can impact those in the line of fire and beyond.
The wildfires raging across Los Angeles have created dangerous air quality conditions throughout the city — and far beyond the reach of the flames. As fires like these become more frequent and more devastating because of climate change, experts have warned about the risks of air pollution.
Wildfire smoke contains a noxious blend of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, lead, and other harmful chemicals that can exact a high toll on your lungs and heart. Here’s a breakdown of how wildfire smoke impacts the body, what to know about the EPA’s Air Quality Index, and what you can do to protect yourself.
How does wildfire smoke affect the body?
The particulate matter — or tiny particles that are no larger than one-third of the diameter of a strand of hair — is so small that when it’s inhaled, it can lodge deep in the lungs and even slip into your bloodstream, according to the American Lung Association. That pollution can cause relatively minor issues like coughing, stinging eyes, a scratchy throat, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. But it may also trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes.
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