GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Wildfires seem to have a continued spot in news headlines and social media these days. The Mendocino Complex fire has officially been named California's largest wildfire in history. Smoke and particulate matter from fires out west can flow into the jet stream, and spread across the nation, including right into West Michigan.
Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can cause harmful effects well beyond the extent of a wildfire. West Michigan is currently in a smoke wave, or two or more consecutive days with high PM2.5 concentrations. Climate Central, a nonprofit news organization involved in climate research, reports wildfires undermining air quality improvements in the Western United States.
PM2.5 are particles that are 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. These particles can raise the risk of lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes.
As drought concerns continue for the future, wildfire risk will increase, and many more people will be exposed to health risks from smoke.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.