Quiz: What You Should Know About Wildfires

Wildfire smoke contains extremely small particles known as particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, allowing them to affect organs throughout the body — not just the respiratory system.

While wildfire smoke can affect people of all ages, certain groups are more vulnerable to serious health effects. These groups include adults over age 65, people with asthma, individuals with COPD or respiratory illnesses, people with heart disease, and outdoor workers who experience prolonged smoke exposure.

Wildfire smoke can affect many parts of the body. Reported health effects include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Eye irritation
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Reduced cognitive function
• Headaches
• Skin itching and inflammation
• Bone density loss
• Diabetes-related complications

Symptoms that require immediate emergency medical attention include difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, unusual fatigue, rapid or irregular heart palpitations, and stroke symptoms such as slurred speech or sudden vertigo.