From flames to haze, wildfire smoke transforms as it travels, and it can harm your health in different ways

By: Michael A. Robinson, University of Colorado Boulder, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 25, 2026

Words: 1,136

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Michael A. Robinson, University of Colorado Boulder

As wildfire smoke plumes travel thousands of miles, sunlight and atmospheric chemistry bleach their color, strip away their campfire aroma and add them to the mix of urban smog.

Smoky skies plagued the East Coast and Midwest again in summer 2026, as wildfires hundreds of miles away forced people to cancel sports practices and run air conditioners around the clock.

Living in the western U.S., I …

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