Guide on Shielding Yourself from Air Pollution Caused by Wildfires
In the face of wildfire smoke, it's essential to prioritise air quality to safeguard your health. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to monitor air quality, improve indoor air, and use appropriate protective measures.
First and foremost, stay informed about local air quality by regularly checking government websites like AirNow, which provide Air Quality Index (AQI) readings and updates on smoke conditions to guide protective actions. If the AQI exceeds 100, especially for sensitive groups, it's advisable to limit outdoor time, avoid strenuous activities, and stay indoors as much as possible.
When venturing outdoors, effective masks are crucial. N95, KN95, or FFP2 respirators certified by authorities like NIOSH are ideal, as they filter out fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke. These masks should fit tightly over the mouth, nose, and chin, ideally on a clean-shaven face, to provide proper protection.
For indoor air quality, keeping windows and doors closed and setting HVAC systems to recirculate rather than bringing in outside air is recommended. Air filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 13 or higher should be used if compatible with your system. Additionally, portable air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can effectively remove 99.97% of smoke particles indoors. DIY air cleaners using box fans and MERV 13 filters are also an option when commercial purifiers are unavailable.
Communities can benefit from clean air shelters or evacuation sites during severe smoke events, providing filtered air for those without in-home filtration. Public education on smoke risks, mask use, and filtration methods is crucial to reduce exposure and protect health during wildfire smoke episodes.
Remember, an air purifier can help improve indoor air quality, especially when used in the room where most activities are done. Sensitive groups, such as those with heart or lung problems, are advised to avoid going outside or wear an N95 mask or at least a dust mask if they must go out.
If you experience symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath, move to a location with better air quality. Most people can go outside for a short time without long-term negative health effects, but should take precautions.
The EPA maintains a website with up-to-date, regional air quality information, while companies like PurpleAir sell air quality sensors and publish real-time air quality data. Low-cost, indoor air quality monitors can be found online, making it easier than ever to monitor your home's air quality.
Lastly, swapping the air conditioner filter for a MERV 13 filter is a simple measure to make indoor air cleaner. If you have a respirator-type attachment for your mask, it's even more effective. Wearing an N95 mask can filter out 90-95% of pollutants, offering a significant barrier against poor air quality.
Stay safe and breathe clean air during wildfire season!
- Environmental science reveals that wildfires contribute to climate change, affecting the overall health of our planet, including its air, water, and ecosystems.
- In Seattle, the urgency to address climate change has sparked political discussions about investing in renewable energy and implementing stricter emission standards to reduce wildfire frequency and severity.
- Health-and-wellness experts warn that wildfire smoke can cause mental-health issues like anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of environmental-science research for understanding and mitigating these effects.
- For scientists studying the impacts of climate-change-induced wildfires on air quality, not only quantifying immediate health risks but also investigating the long-term, cumulative effects on human health is essential.
- In the face of these challenges, science must collaborate with businesses, governments, and communities to develop innovative solutions for managing wildfire risk, improving air quality, and supporting the mental health of those affected.
