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As wildfires have burned recently across southern California, the ash from burned trees and brush is lifted in the air, then carried by the wind and eventually lands somewhere else. This ash is primarily made of natural materials such as trees and vegetation.

However, when wildfires begin consuming homes and businesses, the ash is made up of much more toxic materials. This can have a huge impact on the oceans to humans and wildlife. This type of ash is called Urban Ash.

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Urban ash is many times made up of “Exceptionally toxic materials such as heavy metals like lead, arsenic, as well as asbestos fibers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and microplastics,” explained Julie Dinasquet of Scripps Oceanography. Adding, “These fires pose a potential significant threat to both humans and ecosystems through the introduction of a large amount of toxic material in the system.”

Scientists have found this toxic ash as much as 100 miles offshore and has been as large as several inches in diameter.

Smoke and ash from wildfires can have both short and long-term human health impacts - even without the added toxins from structures. Everything from respiratory problems to dementia, Alzheimer's, preterm birth, lung and brain cancer have been linked to wildfire smoke and ash.

Here are a few ways you can protect yourself:

• Check the air quality index levels in your area.
• Avoid strenuous exercise outdoors.
• When traveling by car, put the air on recirculate to keep the smoke out as much as possible.
• Wear a well-fitting mask when outdoors. N95 or P100 masks offer the most protection, but KN95 masks can also be effective.
• Close all windows and doors in your home.
• Run your HVAC on recirculate and use a new filter.

J​ennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.