Wildfire smoke leaves harmful gases in floors and walls — here's how to clean
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, in wildfire smoke can get into buildings and remain in the walls and floors for weeks. Some are hazardous to human health.
Wildfire Smoke
Air quality has been horrible this year — and not just due to wildfire smoke
Smoke from wildfires is not the only reason for poor air quality this year. It turns out, those wildfires created another kind of pollution: Ozone.
Wildfire smoke reversing U.S. air improvement
Since 2016, wildfire smoke in the U.S. has reversed roughly 25% of air quality improvements made from the 2000 Clean Air Act, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. That figure doubles to roughly 50% when looking specifically at the impact on many western states. For more on this, CBS News was joined by Marshall Burke, an associate professor at Stanford's Doerr School of Sustainability and a co-author of the study.
Maui fire survivors may face "fire brain"
As survivors of the Maui wildfires work to rebuild their lives and homes, some may be faced with something called "fire brain," cognitive and physical issues caused by breathing in tiny particles from wildfire smoke. Adam Brown, an associate professor of psychology at the New School, joined CBS News to discuss how these effects can appear weeks, months or even years after the fire.
Tracking disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean
In June, wildfire smoke from Canada caused poor air quality levels in cities across the U.S. In July came heat waves and heat domes. Now we have an August featuring tropical storms. CBS News senior weather and climate producer David Parkinson explains what's going on.
"Fire whirls" are spewing from massive wildfire raging in the West
Fire whirls are spinning columns of fire that can grow to be "several hundred feet in height."
Greece fires smash 2007 July emissions record in just over a week
The wildfires in Greece spiked on July 17, and have since spewed more carbon than wildfires have in the country in two decades.
How AI technology could be "a game changer" in fighting wildfires
As more people across the country are seeing the impact of wildfires and smoke, scientists are turning to the promise of big data, technology and collaboration to keep big fires from spreading.
Air quality alerts issued for Midwest area due to Canadian wildfire smoke
Officials have posted air quality alerts for several states stretching from Ohio to Montana because of smoke blowing in from Canadian wildfires.
D.C. among worst air quality in world
Washington, D.C. on Thursday had some of the most polluted air in the world. More than 100 million Americans are under air quality alerts as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to grip the U.S. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the latest on the thick haze in the nation's capital.
See pictures and videos of Canadian wildfires and their impact
Wildfires in Canada have been raging for weeks and there are 500 fires burning in the country, the vast majority uncontrolled.
Can air quality affect skin health? A dermatologist explains
Experts say those with compromised skin barriers should be especially vigilant.
How smoke, pollution affect your skin health
Wildfire smoke from Canada has been drifting into parts of the U.S. this week -- affecting cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Milwaukee. Recent studies cited by the American Academy of Dermatology found smoke like this is associated with an increase in visits for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. New York-based dermatologist Dr. Shayan Cheraghlou joins CBS News to discuss how air pollution interacts with the skin and what can people do to protect their skin from smoke.
Canadian wildfire smoke again affecting U.S.
Smoke from the wildfires raging in Canada have affected parts of the U.S. and even traveled across the Atlantic to Europe. Here is the expected forecast for the smoke.
Maps show where the Canadian wildfires are burning
Over 27 million acres of land have burned across Canada since the start of the year, marking the country's worst wildfire season on record.
Chicago has the world's worst air quality due to wildfires
Midwestern cities struggled with air quality in the purple or "very unhealthy" zone.
Smoke plume from Canadian wildfires reaches Europe
As of Monday, there were 493 active Canadian wildfires that have burned more than 19 million acres of land.
Wildfire smoke blankets upper Midwest, forecast to head east
In Minnesota's Twin Cities, the AQI was the worst it had been since the state began keeping records in 1980.
Why are Canadian wildfires affecting the U.S.?
There are anomalies that help explain why smoke from 400 Canadian wildfires is causing such havoc in the United States. Climate and health scientist Vijay Limaye, of the Natural Resources Defense Council, explains why this may be a sign of things to come.
New York City's air quality starts to clear for first time in days
While the orange haze has seemingly moved out of New York City, many people are still at risk of experiencing health issues from the remaining pollution.
Are Canadian wildfires under control? Here's what to know.
The fires, which are still burning, have brought smoke and hazardous air quality to millions of Americans.
Wildfire smoke moves through Eastern U.S.
Millions of Americans spent a second day Thursday under a veil of smoke from wildfires burning in Canada. The smoke was so thick in New York City Wednesday the air quality blew well past what is considered hazardous. CBS News correspondent Christina Ruffini reports from Arlington, Virginia, where the air is now sweeping through.
Here's what to look for in an air purifier for wildfire smoke
A high-end device can cost over $1,000, but there are only a few features you really need, experts say.
How Canadian wildfire smoke could impact summer plans for Americans
Forecasters and heath officials have warned that U.S. air quality may plummet repeatedly in the coming months, as Canada's wildfire season continues.
D.C. gets its day in Canada's smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is causing severe issues up and down the East Coast of the United States. The air quality in the nation's capital is at a very unhealthy level and it is expected to change over the course of the day. CBS News correspondent Christina Ruffini has more.
Latest News
2023 is officially the hottest year ever recorded, scientists say
After record-breaking temperatures in November, the E.U.'s Copernicus Climate Change Service determined 2023 will officially be the hottest year humanity has experienced.
Senate confirms hundreds of military promotions after Tuberville drops hold
"I'm happy that after so much unnecessary delay by one senator we have finally moved forward and given these men and women the promotions they deserve," Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
U.S. to deny visas to extremist Israeli settlers in West Bank
The State Department says it will impose travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in a rash of attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Intelligence report warns of rising foreign terror threats
A new FBI intelligence report says the most likely "primary targets" of foreign terrorists could include churches, synagogues and members of the Jewish community during the holiday season.
Biden says he's "not sure" he'd be running if Trump weren't
President Biden made the comment during a campaign fundraiser in Boston on Tuesday.
Texas woman with a fatal fetal diagnosis asks judge to let her get abortion
Just last week, Kate Cox found out her unborn child has trisomy 18.
College presidents face tough questions from Congress over antisemitism on campus
Colleges and universities have been criticized for their handling of antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.
SAG-AFTRA members approve labor deal with Hollywood studios
However, less than 40% of Screen Actors Guild members participated in the ratification vote.
Jonathan Majors' accuser Grace Jabbari testifies in assault trial
Jabbari was on the stand Tuesday, detailing how they met on the set of a movie before their relationship allegedly became abusive.
U.S.
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Atmospheric river brings heavy rain, flooding to Pacific Northwest
Amtrak said that no passenger trains will be running between Seattle and Portland until Thursday because of a landslide triggered by the atmospheric river.
Jonathan Majors' accuser Grace Jabbari testifies in assault trial
Jabbari was on the stand Tuesday, detailing how they met on the set of a movie before their relationship allegedly became abusive.
Intelligence report warns of rising foreign terror threats
A new FBI intelligence report says the most likely "primary targets" of foreign terrorists could include churches, synagogues and members of the Jewish community during the holiday season.
U.S. to deny visas to extremist Israeli settlers in West Bank
The State Department says it will impose travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in a rash of attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Survivors of domestic violence accuse military of "purposeful" cover-up
Two years after a CBS News investigation exposed the military's failure to protect victims of domestic violence, survivors are still waiting for justice.
MoneyWatch
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Christmas shipping deadlines for 2023: See the last days to order and mail packages
Here are that last days for sending timely Christmas gifts via major shippers like UPS and USPS. Places like Shutterfly have even earlier deadlines for Christmas 2023.
Consumer Reports lists best and worst EV performers for driving range
New Consumer Reports study finds that about half of electric vehicles fell short of their EPA-estimated driving ranges.
Here are the main reasons people turned to GoFundMe this year
Donations on the crowdfunding platform this year reveal a range of urgent financial needs, GoFundMe data shows.
Panera's caffeine-fueled lemonade cited in second death, suit says
Casual dining chain faces another wrongful death suit related to its Charged Lemonade after cardiac arrest of Florida man.
Tuohy family claims Michael Oher tried to extort them for $15 million
In new legal filings, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy released texts from Oher in which he appears to demand $15 million from them.
Politics
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Special election to replace Santos set for February 2024
There will be no primary. Democrats and Republicans will each pick a candidate to go head-to-head.
Intelligence report warns of rising foreign terror threats
A new FBI intelligence report says the most likely "primary targets" of foreign terrorists could include churches, synagogues and members of the Jewish community during the holiday season.
Biden says he's "not sure" he'd be running if Trump weren't
President Biden made the comment during a campaign fundraiser in Boston on Tuesday.
Special counsel previews trial roadmap in federal 2020 election case against Trump
In a new filing, prosecutors revealed they plan to use historical evidence of events both before and after the alleged conspiracy involving Trump's efforts to resist the peaceful transfer of power after the election.
Russia rejected "significant" deal for Americans' release, U.S. says
The State Department said "a number of proposals" have been made to secure the release of the wrongfully detained Americans.
HealthWatch
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How much caffeine is too much? Panera drinks raise questions
Consuming some caffeine is typically harmless for adults, but having too much can be dangerous. Here's what to know about potential health effects.
Panera's caffeine-fueled lemonade cited in second death, suit says
Casual dining chain faces another wrongful death suit related to its Charged Lemonade after cardiac arrest of Florida man.
Patients expected Profemur artificial hips to last. Then they snapped in half.
The FDA and the manufacturer were alerted to Profemur titanium hips breaking inside U.S. patients as of 2005. It took 15 years to recall the devices. Many fractures could have been avoided.
Sushi topper wasabi linked to "substantial" memory boost, study finds
A researcher behind a study of wasabi's effect on cognition says he knew the fiery condiment had health benefits, but "the dramatic change" in memory was a surprise.
Grassroots college networks distribute emergency contraceptives on campus
Peer-to-peer efforts can meet a clear need among students whose colleges may not make sexual health products accessible or affordable.
World
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2023 is officially the hottest year ever recorded, scientists say
After record-breaking temperatures in November, the E.U.'s Copernicus Climate Change Service determined 2023 will officially be the hottest year humanity has experienced.
U.S. to deny visas to extremist Israeli settlers in West Bank
The State Department says it will impose travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in a rash of attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Russia rejected "significant" deal for Americans' release, U.S. says
The State Department said "a number of proposals" have been made to secure the release of the wrongfully detained Americans.
Democrats push forward with Ukraine, Israel aid amid border funding dispute
Supplemental aid to Ukraine and Israel has been stalled in Congress over disputes about border security funding.
U.S. military releases names of crew members who died in Osprey crash
The U.S. military identified all eight Air Force crew members on an Osprey that crashed on Nov. 29 off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan.
Entertainment
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SAG-AFTRA members approve labor deal with Hollywood studios
However, less than 40% of Screen Actors Guild members participated in the ratification vote.
Jonathan Majors' accuser Grace Jabbari testifies in assault trial
Jabbari was on the stand Tuesday, detailing how they met on the set of a movie before their relationship allegedly became abusive.
1958's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" tops Billboard chart for first time
Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" outperformed familiar chart-topper Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
Tuohy family claims Michael Oher tried to extort them for $15 million
In new legal filings, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy released texts from Oher in which he appears to demand $15 million from them.
Grand Theft Auto VI trailer: 7 things we learned from the teaser
Grand Theft Auto is one of the best-selling entertainment franchises of all time, with millions of fans awaiting its next release.
Technology
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Apple releases urgent update to fix iOS 17 security issues
The update patches two vulnerabilities, includes no new features to the operating system.
Spotify slashes 17% of jobs in third round of cuts this year
The popular music streaming service has reportedly eliminated 1,500 roles amid slowing economic growth.
Elon Musk's X platform fueled far-right riots in Ireland, experts say
Elon Musk's X platform has fueled far-right disinformation in Ireland and played a key role in last month's riots in Dublin, experts say.
The race to develop quantum computers
Quantum computing could change civilization as we know it with technology capable of solving complex problems in moments. Henry Yuen, assistant professor of computer science at Columbia University, joined CBS News to discuss what quantum computing is, its potential uses and how close we are to seeing the technology in action.
Automakers turn to subscription fees
Automakers, including General Motors, Ford and BMW, are charging drivers subscription fees to use certain state-of-the-art features, such as remote locking and hands-free cruise control. Carter Evans has details.
Science
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2023 is officially the hottest year ever recorded, scientists say
After record-breaking temperatures in November, the E.U.'s Copernicus Climate Change Service determined 2023 will officially be the hottest year humanity has experienced.
How melting glaciers fuel sea level rise
In Svalbard, Norway, scientists are learning how Arctic glaciers melting at an unprecedented rate will affect rising sea levels. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter visited a cluster of islands close to the North Pole to learn more.
Oil companies make methane reduction pledge
Monday at the COP28 climate summit, the president of Occidental Petroleum, Vicki Hollub, talked about the need for a collaborative effort to reduce emissions. And her peers at least seemingly appear to agree, with 50 oil and gas companies worldwide pledging to reach near-zero methane emissions by 2030. Angela Wilkinson, secretary general of the World Energy Council, joined CBS News to discuss the impact of that goal.
Video shows ship's "lucky" encounter with world's largest iceberg
The sighting came just days after scientists declared the iceberg was "on the move" for the first time in 37 years.
Ancient methane escaping from melting glaciers could warm the planet more
Spiking temperatures in the Arctic are rapidly melting glaciers. Scientists are now worried about underground methane, a potent greenhouse gas, leaking up to the surface.
Crime
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Jonathan Majors' accuser Grace Jabbari testifies in assault trial
Jabbari was on the stand Tuesday, detailing how they met on the set of a movie before their relationship allegedly became abusive.
Suspect in explosion may have shot at police
Officials in Arlington, Virginia, held a news conference Tuesday to confirm details in the investigation into a massive house explosion that occurred after Arlington County Police Department officers tried to serve a warrant at the location Monday. Watch what officials said.
Serial killer's widow admits she was "bait" in student's rape and murder
Monique Olivier admitted she was "bait" in the 1990 rape and murder of British student Joanna Parrish by her former husband, Michel Fourniret.
Former U.S. ambassador accused of spying
A yearslong sting operation has led to charges against Manuel Rocha, the former U.S. ambassador to Bolivia. Rocha is accused of acting as a foreign agent of Cuba, according to court documents. Guy Lewis, a former U.S attorney for the Southern District of Florida, joins CBS News to discuss how Rocha's case could play out.
Virginia house explodes as police serve warrant
The Arlington County Police Department said a suspect didn't respond, staying barricaded inside his home, while officials tried to serve a warrant there Monday just before the house blew up. CBS News homeland security and justice reporter Nicole Sganga reports from the scene of the explosion in the Washington, D.C. suburb.
Space
More Space
Russian cargo ship docks at International Space Station
A guidance system problem during final approach prompted two space station cosmonauts to take over by remote control.
NASA "unlikely" to launch Artemis moon landing flight in 2025, GAO says
NASA is facing challenges with SpaceX's moon lander and the new Axiom spacesuits for moonwalkers.
New solar system with rare, perfectly in-sync planets found in Milky Way
Astronomers have discovered six planets orbiting a bright, nearby star in perfect synchrony like a grand cosmic orchestra.
Scientists discover "in-sync" solar system
Scientists have discovered a six-planet solar system in the Milky Way that astronomers say has been untouched by outside forces since its birth billions of years ago. The six planets orbit a star "perfectly" in sync. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to talk about the discovery.
Mars' landscape captured in newly released images
NASA revealed multiple new panoramic images of clouds and dust in Mars' skies, as well as one of its tiny two moons, taken last May.
Latest Galleries
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Matthew Trussler murder: Inside the case
Matthew Trussler was found dead at the home he shared with his fiancée Melissa Turner. See the evidence that led to authorities piecing together his death.
Catching a killer clown
Marlene Warren answered the door to her Wellington, FL, home and was fatally gunned down by a mysterious clown. Despite eyewitnesses, circumstantial evidence, and the identification a suspect early on, it would take more than 30 years for her killer to face justice.
Notable Deaths in 2023
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Becky Bliefnick texted about fear of her estranged husband
The Illinois mom wrote, "If something ever happens to me, please make sure the number one person of interest is Tim." Take a look at the evidence that led to Tim Bliefnick's arrest.
The crime scene evidence that convicted Alex Murdaugh
Inside South Carolina's "trial of the century" — how investigators built their case
Latest Videos
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Latest Videos
12/5: CBS Evening News
Intelligence report warns of rising foreign terror threats; Military domestic violence survivors waiting for justice
Report warns of rising foreign terror threats
A new intelligence report warns foreign terrorists may use the ongoing Israel-Hamas war to increase calls for violence during the holiday season in the U.S. Catherine Herridge has the details.
Military domestic violence survivors seek justice
Two years ago, a CBS News report uncovered gaps in how the U.S. military handles claims of domestic violence. The report prompted assurances things would change, but survivors say they are still waiting for justice, even after military officials were given video and audio evidence of their assaults. "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell has the story.
U.S. Navy warship responds to Red Sea attacks
A U.S. Navy warship shot down several drones launched toward commercial ships in the Red Sea. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for the attacks. David Martin reports.
Kennedy Center Honors held Sunday
The 2023 Kennedy Center Honors were held Sunday, recognizing Billy Crystal, Renee Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick. CBS will air the honors Wednesday night. "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell takes a look at this year's highlights.