Wildfires in France and Spain Expose Millions to Air Pollution

Wildfires in France and Spain have exposed millions of people to health-damaging air pollution over the last few days, scientists said. Smoke from the fires contains a mix of pollutants that reduce air quality even hundreds of kilometers away. Scientists are particularly concerned about emissions of fine particles PM2.5, which are linked to cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and respiratory problems. In the French city of Bordeaux, the level of PM2.5 particle pollution on July 26 exceeded 300 micrograms per cubic meter, nearly five times higher than the recommended EU level.