Yes, breathing wildfire smoke can harm your health - here’s what you can do to protect yourself
Environmental health researcher Colleen Reid explains the health risks associated with breathing wildfire smoke, which contains harmful particulate matter. The article provides guidance on how to protect oneself during periods of poor air quality caused by wildfires.
Why it matters
As wildfire frequency increases due to climate change, understanding the health impacts of smoke is critical for public safety.
Heavy wildfire smoke from Canada’s forests turn skies orange in Toronto and across parts of the U.S. in July 2026. Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images Yes, breathing wildfire smoke can harm your health – here’s what you can do to protect yourself Published: July 16, 2026 5:45pm EDT https://theconversation.com/yes-breathing-wildfire-smoke-can-harm-your-health-heres-what-you-can-do-to-protect-yourself-287668 https://theconversation.com/yes-breathing-wildfire-smoke-can-harm-your-health-heres-what-you-can-do-to-protect-yourself-287668 Link copied Share article Share article
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Wildfire smoke from fires burning in Canada and northern Minnesota has been pouring across the Great Lakes and northeastern U.S. states, turning skies an eerie shade of orange . In the West, smoke has also been spreading into communities in Colorado and neighboring states as more wildfires burn in hot, dry conditions in July 2026.
University of Colorado environmental health researcher Colleen Reid explains what’s in that smoke and why breathing it is a health concern everyone should be aware of.
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