Wildfires are very dangerous and frightening for the people who are affected by them. It’s something that the climate crisis makes more likely to happen and for longer periods. It’s not just the physical flames that are dangerous though. The smoke created by these fires also causes harm and has a greater reach.
The smoke from wildfires is full of all sorts of particles and it is these particles that have the potential to harm people as they inhale them. They could be anything from poisons plants to toxins from man-made materials.
Once inhaled, these can damage the lungs in the short term, certainly but may also have longer term health dangers, especially to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. If you’re in a place where there is heavy smoke, it’s recommended to stay inside and watch the air quality for safety.