When we think of wildfire smoke, it's easy to picture a group of isolated trees burning far away. But today's wildfires often tear through neighborhoods, vehicles and businesses too.

That means the smoke isn't just made of burned wood, but a chemical cocktail.

What’s really in wildfire smoke?

As homes burn, so do things you'd never intentionally breathe: paints, insulation, plastics, cleaning products, electronics and even metals.

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All of that gets carried into the air in the form of microscopic particles that are small enough to slip deep into your lungs and even into your bloodstream.

Those particles, known as PM2.5, are about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

Once inhaled, they don't just irritate your throat or make your eyes water. They can trigger coughing, shortness of breath and a racing heart within hours, even in otherwise healthy people.

How dangerous is breathing wildfire smoke?

Research has found that wildfire smoke can be up to 10 times more harmful than similar pollution from cars or factories.

Exposure has been linked to heart and lung disease, stroke and even certain cancers. In fact, cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, who experience repeated exposure to these toxic smoke mixtures.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you're safe if you're nowhere near the flames. You're not.

Smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles on upper-level winds, meaning a fire burning in another state, or even another country, can leave your local air unhealthy days later.

And the danger doesn't always disappear when the fire is out. Toxic pollutants can linger in homes, plumbing systems and even drinking water for weeks after the flames are extinguished.

How to reduce wildfire smoke exposure

• Check your local Air Quality Index (AQI) using The Weather Channel app before heading outside.
• Read this list of masks and filters that actually protect you.
• Shop this selection of our favorite air purifiers.
• Learn how to safely burn debris in your backyard.