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
The content is based on scientific health advice and environmental data without political framing.
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