Satellite data reveals that smoke from wildfires can drift far from the blaze affecting air quality over thousands of kilometers. When the smoke reaches urban areas, it can interact with existing pollutants to produce elevated ozone levels. Inhaling ozone can irritate airways and cause coughing, congestion, headaches and sore eyes in healthy people. It can also worsen the symptoms of bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Those health issues are concerning, but the major threat of wildfire smoke, according to the U.S. ... read more