Massive wildfires are raging around the world during unprecedented heat waves, blanketing millions of people under pungent haze caused by smoke carrying noxious gases and particulate matter that pose serious health risks.
Here is what you need to know about the risks of wildfire smoke.
More toxic than normal air pollution, wildfire smoke can linger in the air for weeks and travel thousands of miles.
Wildfires can burn not only vegetation but also vehicles and buildings as well as their contents. Along with particles of soil and biological materials, wildfire smoke often contains traces of chemicals, metals, plastics and other synthetic materials.
Health effects
