Short Wave: The Science of Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from wildfires can travel huge distances. We’ve already seen smoke from the fires in California reach all the way to Minnesota. And with all that smoke comes possible risks to human health. So what actually is smoke? Jessica Gilman, an atmospheric chemist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, explains what it’s made of, how it behaves in the atmosphere, and smoke’s role in climate change.
This episode was produced by Rebecca Ramirez, edited by Viet Le and fact-checked by Emily Kwong.
Image Notes: Smoke drifts over Interstate 80 as the LNU Lightning Complex fire burns through the area in Fairfield, Calif. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images