From mental health impacts to heightened risk of infections, recent studies underscore the myriad ways in which smoke exposure affects our health.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that wildfire smoke contains dangerous pollutants in the form of fine particles known as PM 2.5 that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Short-term exposure can lead to bronchitis, worsen asthma and create other health issues.

More than 200 wildfires are blazing across Canada, forcing 27,000 people to evacuate and creating hazardous air quality all over the U.S.

For days, KTIV has alerted you on-air and online about the affects the Canadian Wildfire smoke is having on Siouxland. As you watch coverage on KTIV, the First Alert weather team prepares viewers for what they may see while outdoors.

Anyone who has experienced wildfire smoke knows how it can leave you with a scratchy throat, stinging eyes and impact your lungs. However, smoke can also affect your brain. Tiny airborne pollutants found in smoke have been linked to increased risk of stroke, dementia and flare-ups in neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).

An overcast Monday is in store for Massachusetts residents as wildfire smoke lingers through the chilly temperatures — and there might be rain. Here's what to expect.

Recapping some of the most talked-about news this week from the nation and around the world – in case you missed it.

From the Keweenaw Peninsula to the Mackinac Bridge and areas across lower Michigan, blankets of haze from Canadian wildfires could be seen throughout the week.