Impact of Wildfires on Air Quality

Wildfires release massive amounts of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) into the air. PM 2.5, with its microscopic size, can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing severe health risks like respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases. During wildfire events, Air Quality Index (AQI) levels can surge into the 'hazardous' category, affecting millions of people in downwind regions.

Moreover, wildfire smoke doesn’t stay local—it can travel thousands of kilometers, impacting cities far from the source. For instance, smoke from California’s wildfires has been detected as far as Europe! To protect yourself, stay indoors, use HEPA filters, and monitor AQI updates. As climate change intensifies, addressing wildfires and their air quality impact becomes increasingly crucial.