Impact of wildfires on air quality and human health

On August 11, 2015, US News & World Report featured an article entitled "How the West's Drought Is Affecting Lung Health" by Michael O. Schroeder. The article describes the impact of wildfires on the concentration of particulate matter in the air. At risk are not only individuals with respiratory problems, but the general populace, especially children and young people. Because of how tiny the particles are, they can have a profound impact on health, and lead to asthma attacks, heart attacks and stroke. Given the changing climate, wildfires and the risk they pose to human health will continue to be an issue.