However, according to experts, the threat of wildfires does not end when the fire itself stops spreading. The new studies show that wildfire smoke may spread hundreds or even thousands of miles away from the initial fire, posing serious health threats to people who have nothing to do with the fire directly.

Health experts point out that the main reason for the adverse effect of the wildfire smoke on people's health is the presence of poisonous gases and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the smoke. The latter refers to very tiny particles that get deeply into lungs and even blood system, leading to various negative effects.

Experts say that one does not have to be close to the area of the wildfire to feel its impact. With the help of strong winds, the smoke travels through the cities, states and even countries. This way, the number of people who suffer from the pollution of the air becomes extremely large.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), breathing wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of chest tightness. Although exposure to wildfire smoke may be harmless to healthy people, those with other medical conditions may suffer from worse outcomes from inhaling the fumes.

These include children, elderly persons, pregnant women, and people suffering from asthma and heart and respiratory conditions. In addition to being harmful to their health, exposure to wildfire smoke might aggravate their pre-existing conditions, necessitate more hospital visits, and even threaten their lives in some extreme cases.

Additionally, scientific research has shown that repeated exposure to wildfire smoke may have various adverse effects on one's health. It has been found out that such exposure can make people more susceptible to heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases, and decreased lung function. Scientists are also studying how wildfire smoke affects the brain in order to determine the possible impact on neurological disorders.

The most important concern is the PM2.5, very tiny particles formed as a result of burning forests, grass, and other substances. These are so small that they cannot be filtered by the body. After entering the blood stream, they cause inflammation and exert additional pressure on the heart and lungs.

According to the specialists, the process of climate change results in longer and more intense fire seasons in many places. Warmer weather, long droughts, and dry plants provide the environment for rapid development of fires and production of large amounts of smoke. As a result, people in distant areas may also suffer from air pollution.

In the case of wildfires, health experts advise looking up the local Air Quality Index (AQI). In cases when there is a high level of smoke in the atmosphere, people are advised to remain indoors, to close windows and doors, use air cleaners if they have them, and avoid vigorous outdoor activities. People who must venture outdoors should use properly fitted N95 masks because these are capable of removing most particles from wildfire smoke.

According to scientists, increased public awareness about the health effects of wildfire smoke will be extremely important in light of the increased number of wildfires on a global scale. The knowledge that smoke particles can reach far beyond the place of emission might encourage people to take preventive actions to avoid any potential diseases caused by it.

Despite ongoing scientific investigations, scientists are unanimous in saying that the problem of wildfire smoke is not just environmental but also public health problem.