(NewsNation) — Fires in the Los Angeles area have stretched across tens of thousands of acres, spreading smoke and ash throughout Southern California.

Breathing in smoke, which contains tiny particles called PM2.5, can spread chemicals, dust, soot and metals throughout the human body.

In short doses, smoke exposure has been linked to premature death, hospital admissions, bronchitis, asthma attacks and other respiratory and cardiac problems, the California Air Resources Board said.

And long-term exposure can cause another host of issues, Dr. Lipi Roy tells NewsNation.

Wildfire smoke's long-term health effects

Roy warned that long-term exposure can lead to dementia,........

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