Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke

Although there are many hazardous chemicals in wildfire smoke, the main harmful pollutant for people who are not very close to the fire is “particulate matter;” the tiny particles suspended in the air. The smallest, and usually the most harmful, particulate matter is called PM2.5 because it has a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Particulate matter can irritate the lungs and cause persistent coughing, phlegm, wheezing or difficulty breathing.