The long-term effects of wildfire smoke have been explained

(NewsNation) — fires in the Los Angeles area they have spread over tens of thousands of acres, spreading smoke and ash all of southern california.

Inhaling smoke, which contains tiny particles called PM2.5, can spread chemicals, dust, soot and metals throughout the human body.

In short doses, exposure to smoke has been linked to premature death, hospital admissions, bronchitis, asthma attacks and other respiratory and heart problems, the California Air Resources Board said.

And long-term exposure can cause another set of problems, Dr. Lipi Roy tells NewsNation.

Long-term effects of wildfire smoke

Roy warned that long-term exposure can lead to dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes and lung cancer, among other diseases. TheWorld Health Organizationit associates 7 million premature deaths annually with indoor and outdoor air pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency says there aren’t enough studies to accurately link long-term exposure to wildfire smoke over several seasons with specific diseases, though short-term and short-term cumulative exposure can cause countless problems.

Smoke exposure can be a problem especially when the smoke comes from urban areas with more than just vegetation to burn, Roy said.

“The houses have paint, rubber, metal, steel. When they burn, they give off really toxic smoke and ash,” the doctor explained.

Particulate pollution also causes asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes and can cause death, according to theAmerican Lung Association.

People at higher risk — children, the elderly, people with respiratory or heart problems and people with a compromised immune system — you may experience more serious effects such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, fatigue and/or chest pain.

How to protect yourself from forest fire smoke

The best way to protect yourself from wildfire smoke is to stay away from the source. If movement is not an option, it is best to stay indoors and limit any outdoor activity.

Inside, make sure doors and windows are properly closed and locked.

An air filter or air conditioning system with air filters can help maintain healthy indoor air quality, and portable air purifiers can also help,according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is important to run the fan all the time; otherwise, the air will only leak when it cools. If your system works with a fresh air intake, close it.

If you must be outside, wearing an N95 respirator and taking frequent breaks is crucial to your well-being.

NewsNation’s Safia Samee Ali, Ashley Soriano and Damita Menezes contributed to this report

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

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