Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. It's true — wildfire smoke exposure is comparable to smoking cigarettes. Experts share why smoke damage is so harmful to our lungs ...

Reports circulating on social media and some media outlets have equated breathing wildfire smoke in NY to smoking anywhere from 3 to 20 cigarettes, depending on air quality levels in the community.

How Much Damage Can One Cigarette Even Do? Whether it's cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or vaping, inhaling smoke or vapor takes a serious toll on your lungs, and it can happen faster than you think.