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

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.

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.

AirNow is a collaborative effort of federal agencies that provides air quality data across the U.S. The site also has up-to-date information about the wildfires, resources, data, and interactive maps to help users learn more about particular areas and how they might be affected. There's also a free AirNow mobile app.

As the wildfires raged and smoke billowed across Los Angeles, officials issued air quality alerts, schools canceled classes and scientists warned about the dangerous - even fatal - consequences of wildfire smoke.

LOS ANGELES — Massive wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area have filled the air with a thick cloud of smoke and ash, prompting air quality advisories across a vast stretch of Southern California.

Smoke from several wildfires in metro Los Angeles negatively affects the air quality of a population of about 18 million people. Air quality in Los Angeles was at "moderate" levels on Thursday morning,

During the wildfires, several communities throughout LA County experienced poor air quality. Chris Chavez, deputy policy director for the Coalition for Clean Air, says many people are now breathing toxic air.

KCRW and R&S Kayne Foundation Los Angeles held a public information panel and Q&A session regarding immediate and long-term health considerations from the fires. Watch in English or Spanish.