safety
What you need to breathe easier when the air is full of smoke
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 18, 2026
· 8 min read
By Jen Christensen, CNN
(CNN) — Many millions of Americans and Canadians are breathing bad air right now due to smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires and additional wildfires in northern Minnesota.
If you’re in an affected area, it’s important to check air quality before you go anywhere t...
Key takeaway Wildfire smoke is a dangerous mix of gases and tiny particles – including the biggest danger to human health, particle pollution called PM2.
Why this matters in The El Paso
For El Paso residents, the threat of poor air quality from wildfire smoke is a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring local conditions. While the current smoke is coming from Canadian and Minnesota wildfires, El Paso's own geography puts it at risk for similar issues from regional fires. As doctors emphasize minimizing time in smoky conditions, locals should take heed and check AirNow.gov before planning outdoor activities. This is particularly crucial for El Paso's vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. By taking proactive steps, such as sealing windows and running air-conditioning, residents can help protect themselves from the dangers of particle pollution. As the city's public health officials continue to monitor air quality, El Pasoans should remain vigilant and prioritize their health by staying informed and taking necessary precautions to breathe easier when smoke is in the air.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Jen Christensen, CNN
(CNN) — Many millions of Americans and Canadians are breathing bad air right now due to smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires and additional wildfires in northern Minnesota.
If you’re in an affected area, it’s important to check air quality before you go anywhere t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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