How do wildfires impact air quality?

Wildfires significantly impact air quality primarily because they release large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. The combustion of vegetation during a wildfire produces a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and soot. These pollutants can impair air quality by increasing the levels of harmful substances in the air, contributing to respiratory problems and other health issues in nearby populations.

The smoke from wildfires can travel long distances, affecting air quality far from the fire's origin and leading to visibility issues and environmental consequences. Elevated particulate matter levels can exacerbate existing health conditions, posing risks to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting respiratory diseases.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the primary impact wildfires have on air quality. While wildfires can influence humidity levels and weather patterns, these effects are secondary and less direct in terms of direct air quality impact. Wildfires do not purify the air; rather, they introduce several toxins and pollutants that detrimentally affect overall air quality. The assertion that they create areas of heavy rainfall does not pertain to their impact on air quality either.