PEHSU Factsheet on Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash (2018) > Background
posted on Oct 31, 2019
- Children are especially at risk for health effects from exposure to wildfire smoke and ash, mostly because their lungs are still growing.
- Wildfire concerns include the fire itself, the smoke and ash, and the chemicals from
materials that have burned, such as furniture. - Smoke can travel hundreds of miles from the source of a fire. Pay attention to local air
quality reports during fire season, even if no fire is nearby.