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.
Smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota prompted more air quality alerts Friday in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S., as well as in the Upper Midwest.
Michigan saw a statewide air quality advisory on Wednesday, and Minnesota's air quality reached the hazardous "purple" alert level. The wildfire smoke is setting records in Wisconsin and turning skies orange in Vermont . And after a brief respite Friday morning, New York City will see more smoke .
Climate Farmworkers feed the country, but who protects them from wildfire smoke? Exposure to wildfire smoke is a growing health problem across the country, as human-caused climate change increases the risk and intensity of wildfires and the smoke that can drift thousands of miles downwind from them.
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