Canadian Wildfire Smoke: Do Masks Really Protect Your Lungs?

Smoke from more than 800 active wildfires burning across Canada has drifted into the United States, affecting air quality in parts of the Midwest and Northeast.

As of Thursday, air quality alerts were in effect in several states, including Minnesota, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York.

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For people who must spend time outdoors, are especially sensitive to smoke or fall into a higher-risk health category, a mask can offer protection — but only if it is the right type.

ALSO SEE: How to protect yourself from poor air quality as wildfires burn in Canada