Wildfire smoke is like smoking 'half a pack a day.' Here's how to protect yourself
Wildfire smoke across the U.S. is causing hazardous air quality, with experts comparing the health impact of exposure to smoking cigarettes. The article provides guidance on how to monitor air quality and protect respiratory health during smoke events.
Why it matters
Increasing wildfire frequency due to climate change poses a growing public health risk, necessitating better awareness of air quality safety measures.
A version of this story was originally published on Jan. 8, 2025. It has been updated to reflect the wildfires currently bringing smoke to the U.S.
The article relies on medical expert testimony and public health data to provide actionable safety information.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in