Note: This article was originally published in September 2022. It has been republished by the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics to provide timely and relevant information for Los Angeles residents affected by recent wildfires and those concerned about wildfire smoke.

In the short term, breathing wildfire smoke can cause sore throat, headache and fatigue. It also increases the long-term risk of health problems problems such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and heart disease. In areas like Los Angeles, where wildfires also consume man-made structures, the health risks increase due to additional chemical pollutants in the smoke.

For five ways people can protect themselves in times like these, click here.