A few small changes can make a big difference when smoke rolls in
If the sky has looked hazy lately, you’re not imagining it.
More than 830 wildfires were burning across Canada on Wednesday, July 15, along with more than a dozen in northern Minnesota, sending thick smoke hundreds of miles into the United States. The smoke is expected to impact millions of people across the Upper Midwest and Northeast through the end of the week, arriving at the same time many communities are experiencing extreme heat.
Even if you’re nowhere near an active wildfire, poor air quality can still affect your health. Smoke from wildfires contains tiny particles that can irritate your eyes and throat, worsen asthma and other lung conditions and make it harder to breathe—especially for children and people with heart or lung disease.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor
It may seem obvious, but the easiest way to limit your exposure is to stay inside as much as possible when air quality levels are unhealthy.
Health experts recommend moving outdoor activities indoors and avoiding strenuous exercise outside until conditions improve. This is especially important for children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone living with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions.
If you have air conditioning, switch it to recirculate mode or close the outdoor air intake to help keep smoky air from entering your home.
Wear the right mask if you have to go inside
While you may be tempted to reach for the leftover masks tucked away from the COVID-19 pandemic, not all of them will do the trick. Cloth masks and standard surgical masks don’t effectively filter the fine particles found in wildfire smoke.
Instead, experts recommend wearing a NIOSH-certified N95, KN95 or KF94 respirator, which can filter many of the tiny particles carried in the smoke. For the best protection, the mask should fit snugly over your nose, mouth and chin.
How to keep the air cleaner at home—and in your car
An air purifier or portable air cleaner can help improve indoor air quality during smoky days.
Just like you would in your home, if you’re driving, switch your vehicle’s ventilation system to recirculate so it isn’t pulling smoky air in from outside. It’s also a good idea to keep your windows rolled up until air quality improves.
Have your asthma medications ready
People with asthma or other chronic lung conditions should make sure they have both their daily controller medication and a rescue inhaler readily available. Wildfire smoke can trigger symptoms even in people whose asthma is typically well controlled, so don’t wait until you’re running low to refill prescriptions.
Check the air quality before heading outside
Before heading out for a walk, workout or even to run errands, check your local Air Quality Index (AQI). The EPA’s AirNow.gov website provides real-time, color-coded air quality updates, making it easy to see whether conditions are safe for outdoor activities. An AQI below 50 is considered good, while readings above 300 are classified as hazardous.
Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds—even thousands—of miles from where a fire is burning. Spending a minute checking the forecast today could help you breathe a little easier tomorrow.
And perhaps most importantly, if you’re feeling any symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pains, seek medical attention immediately.
Stay safe out there!
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Sources:
- ABC News: “Maps Show Canadian Wildfire Smoke Descending on U.S.”
- EPA: “Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality”
- AirNow.Gov: “Get Air Quality Data Where You Live”
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