How bad is the California wildfire smoke for health? Here's how to protect yourself.

Tens of thousands of people are evacuating Los Angeles as wildfires blaze across the region, emitting dangerous smoke and billowing ash in its wake. 

Wildfire smoke is a "complex mixture" of pollutants can cause anywhere from minor health effects to those that are more serious, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, That's because the particulate matter within the smoke irritates the respiratory system, impacting the body's ability to function even among those who are healthy, and even short-term exposure of just a few days can have serious impacts. 

On Wednesday, Los Angeles air was considered "hazardous," according to AirNow, a government-run site on air quality data. A day prior, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued a smoke advisory, stating "smoke impact from the Palisades Wildfire burning has caused unhealthy air quality in Los Angeles County."