Does it seem hazy outside to you?

According to the Florida Forestry Service , there are currently 56 wildfires burning nearly 28,000 acres as of Friday afternoon. A fire weather watch was issued for several counties along the east coast in South Florida and red flag warnings of critical, wildfire-friendly conditions have been issued for east Central Florida counties until 7 p.m.

A brush fire, the 344 Fire in south Miami-Dade County , has burned more than 24,000 acres by Friday morning, closing roads and sending smoke drifting up across South Florida.

For some people, the hazy skies are a curiosity, or possibly an annoyance. For others, they present a very real health danger.

Inhaling smoke can be dangerous because it contains a mixture of hazardous gases and solid particles smaller than a human hair , called particulate matter (the EPA calls it PM2.5) which can easily enter your lungs and bloodstream and cause damage to other organs.

As of Friday afternoon, the Air Quality Index for PM2.5 was good over most of the state but moderate in Broward, Mami-Dade, and the Keys.

What is PM2.5 pollution?

The microscopic solids and droplets can get into the lungs and possibly the bloodstream.

What are the symptoms of smoke inhalation?

Even healthy people may experience irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath, according to AirNow. The symptoms should fade once you remove yourself from the area or the air quality improves.

How can I protect myself from bad air quality?