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Last month, huge wildfires throughout Canada caused smoke to blanket many U.S. cities. As a haze stretched over parts of the country, health authorities raised the alarm about poor air quality.

A cascade of health effects may become a growing problem in the wake of wildfires, including downwind from the source, said Ed Avol, professor emeritus at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Beyond irritated eyes and scratchy throats, breathing in wildfire smoke also can create long-term issues all over the body. Avol said those include respiratory effects like asthma and COPD, as well as impacts on heart, brain and kidney function.

The tiny particles making up the main pollutant of wildfire smoke, called PM2.5, are just the right size to embed deep in the lungs and absorb into the blood.

But while their size has garnered attention, their composition also matters, said Kris Ebi, a University of Washington climate and health scientist.

“There is emerging evidence that the toxicity of wildfire smoke PM2.5 is more toxic than what comes out of tailpipes,” Ebi said.

Here’s how you can protect your health from the smoky haze:

Stay indoors

The small particles in wildfire smoke can make it harder to breathe. [When smoke is in the air,] it’s important to limit outdoor activities as much as possible to avoid breathing in these particles, health agencies say.

You should especially avoid strenuous activities like going for a run, since heavy breathing will increase the amount of smoke you inhale.

And bring pets inside, too: Animals are also affected by smoky conditions.

Keep inside air clean

When inside, keep doors, windows and fireplaces shut so smoke stays out.

If you have a portable air purifier or HVAC system, run it to help keep the air clean, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends. Check that your filters are high quality and up to date.

Make sure any filters or air conditioners are set to recirculate indoor air to avoid bringing in smoke from outside. If you have a window air conditioner, check that it’s sealed to the window as tightly as possible.

And try to avoid activities that would add more particles to the air in your home — like smoking, burning candles or frying meat.

Wear a mask

If you go outside in smoky conditions, consider wearing a mask, like an N95, to protect your lungs. The mask should fit over your nose and under your chin and seal tightly to your face to keep out the smoky air.

Know your risk

Some people should be extra careful as they face higher risks from wildfire smoke. Children and older adults are especially sensitive to smoky conditions.

Those with health conditions affecting the lungs or heart — like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — face higher risks from poor air quality, along with those who are pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People in these groups should take extra precautions and monitor for symptoms like coughing, trouble breathing or fatigue.

AP writers Seth Borenstein and Melina Walling contributed to this story.

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