Staying indoors with windows closed can reduce exposure to wildfire smoke but cannot offer complete protection, while doing so during hot weather may increase the risk of overheating, according to early findings released by researchers at the University of Manchester. Researchers found that outdoor pollution could still make its way into homes even when windows were closed, suggesting that being indoors should not automatically be regarded as complete protection from smoke. Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles and gases that can irritate the lungs and make respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis and asthma worse, according to the researchers. “The challenge is that this advice can be difficult to follow during very hot weather, particularly in homes that are prone to overheating,” Dr Bannan said. “We are now investigating practical measures, including air filtration and approaches to keeping homes cool, so that people – especially those with existing respiratory conditions – have better options during future extreme events such as these,” Dr Bannan added.