Wildfire smoke in the air has become a signature of summer in the North. While rarely welcome, smoky days are growing less rare every year as climate change continues to create the ideal conditions for wildfires – and wildfire smoke. It’s common knowledge that wildfire smoke can cause a range of short-term health issues, like headaches and a runny nose. However, like other forms of pollution, wildfire smoke can have long-term effects – like dementia, as a recent study has found. The Yukon health authorities don’t feel the need to wait for research specific to the territory before recommending action. Researchers showed wildfire smoke was associated with an increase in risk of dementia diagnosis – especially for marginalized people. While the study population was located in California, health officials in the Yukon and Northwest Territories say there are things to be done to mitigate the health effects of smoke here, too.