Yes, breathing wildfire smoke can harm your health – here’s what you can do to protect yourself

When you breathe in wildfire smoke, harmful particles can travel deep into your body.

By: Colleen E. Reid, University of Colorado Boulder, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 16, 2026

Words: 1,077

Last Updated: 3 days, 8 hours ago

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By Colleen E. Reid, University of Colorado Boulder

Wildfire smoke from fires burning in Canada and northern Minnesota has been pouring across the Great Lakes and northeastern U.S. states, turning skies an eerie shade of orange. In the West, smoke has also been spreading into communities in Colorado and neighboring states as more wildfires burn in hot, dry conditions in July 2026.

University of Colorado environmental health researcher Colleen Reid explains what’s …

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