When wildfires burn, the smoke can travel long distances, posing serious risks to air quality even far from the fire itself. This means that flames raging in one state can affect the air we breathe hundreds of miles away, and even wildfires in Canada can send smoke clouds drifting into U.S. cities.
So, what should you know about protecting yourself from poor air quality caused by wildfires? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Air Quality Levels
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. The AQI converts various pollutant levels into a single number, with lower numbers indicating healthier air. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Below 50: Healthy
- 50 to 100: Moderate
- 100 to 150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
- Above 150: Unhealthy for Everyone
Sensitive groups include individuals with asthma, lung diseases, or other respiratory issues, as noted by Dr. Sanjay Sethi from the University at Buffalo. If you fall into one of these categories, it’s crucial to take extra precautions.
Recognizing Unhealthy Air
Sometimes, you can see or smell smoke in the air, but even if it looks clear, it can still be unhealthy to breathe. The EPA has a website that provides up-to-date air quality information, and you can find real-time readings from PurpleAir, a network that monitors air quality at a local level.
For the most accurate indoor air quality readings, consider purchasing an air quality monitor. Joseph Allen, the director of Harvard’s Healthy Buildings Program, emphasizes that many affordable options are available online.
What If You Need to Go Outside?
For most people, a brief outing won’t have lasting negative effects, says Dr. Sethi. However, wearing an N95 mask can significantly filter out harmful particles. Jennifer Stowell, a research scientist at Boston University, notes that these masks can eliminate 90-95% of airborne particles.
If you do venture outside and start feeling symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath, it’s essential to head indoors immediately. Even healthy individuals should take precautions during poor air quality days.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
To keep your indoor air cleaner, close windows and turn on your air conditioning system, setting it to recirculate indoor air. Use blankets or towels to block any cracks that let outside air in, especially around doors.
Swapping out your air conditioner’s filter for a MERV 13 filter can also help improve air quality, as long as it’s installed correctly. If you have an air purifier, keep it running in the room where you spend the most time.
By following these tips, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and ensure that your indoor air quality remains as healthy as possible.
___
Wells is a former reporter for The Associated Press.
___
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters, and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
