The LA wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres – but on some weather maps, air quality still looks good. What’s going on?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) can tell you a lot about the health of the environment, but there are still measures you can take to protect yourself further.

Wildfire ash carries many carcinogens that could cause short- and long-term health problems, including asthma attacks and difficulty breathing.

In the days after the devastating wildfires, air monitors recorded some of the highest levels of air pollution in recent years, coinciding with a surge in hospital visits.

The record-breaking wildfires in California, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, are unleashing toxic smoke filled with hazardous chemicals, wreaking havoc on air quality for miles around and raising concerns about the safety of homes long after the flames are extinguished.

Wildfire smoke is linked to a host of medical problems, even in people who are otherwise healthy. Here's what you need to know.