Los Angeles is now a week removed from the day that multiple devastating wildfires erupted to torch tens of thousands of acres. But still, the question remains if people should wear masks to limit their exposure to toxins in the air.

Calculating air pollution from wildfires and other events has become more complicated. That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily more accurate.

Already known for having some of the worst air quality in the U.S., people in Southern California are now also at risk of inhaling smoke.

Wildfire ash carries many carcinogens that could cause short- and long-term health problems, including asthma attacks and difficulty breathing.

A smoke advisory due to the wildfires in the Los Angeles area has been extended through at least 10 p.m. Sunday. Officials said wildfire smoke is a mixture of small particles, gases and water vapor.

On Friday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory for the fourth consecutive day, largely due to the elevated levels of unhealthful pollution billowing from the Eaton fire in Altadena.

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Heartbroken families, burned-out business owners and beleaguered Los Angeles leaders are beginning to ponder a monumental task: rebuilding what was lost in the Southern California wildfires