# Do not inhale! How wildfire smoke 'affects the whole body'

https://mins.news/en/item/24875

- DW, 2026-08-18 08:22 UTC
- Health
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/do-not-inhale-how-wildfire-smoke-affects-the-whole-body/a-76039654?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> A growing body of research points to PM2.5 in wildfire smoke as a major source of harm. The particles can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, enter the bloodstream and damage organs. Long-term exposure has been linked to stroke, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and cancer, while smoke also poses particular risks during pregnancy and can become more toxic over time.

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- [B.C. health officer Bonnie Henry on the effects of ongoing wildfire smoke | FULL](https://mins.news/en/video/26017) — Global News, 2026-08-18