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Breathe Safely: Prepare For Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality Challenges




The following strategies can be used to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke and dangerous air pollutants. 



Wear Respirators:

Check the Fact Sheet to ensure your respirator's safety and effectiveness.

Wear N95/KN95 masks or respirators to block harmful smoke particles.

Using NIOSH-certified masks during poor air quality reduces respiratory illness risk.

Stay Indoors: 

Indoors offer some smoke protection, especially in closed, air-conditioned homes with recirculated air.

Keep windows and doors shut to minimize outdoor air entering.

If without AC, seek shelter in air-conditioned places like family, neighbors, or public buildings with filtration during smoky times to cool off daily.

Reduce Activity:

Less activity reduces inhaled pollutants and health risks during smoke events.

Exercise raises air intake significantly, bringing more pollution into the lungs.

Indoor exercise in clean air is still encouraged.

Reduce Indoor Air Pollution:

Check the Fact Sheet for details on indoor air filtration systems.

Steer clear of indoor pollution sources like smoking, stove use, aerosols, cooking methods, candles, incense, and vacuuming.

Lower indoor pollutant emissions during smoke events to reduce particle levels.

Use Room Air Cleaners:

Find a CARB-certified air cleaner suitable for your indoor space size, efficiently removing particles without ozone production. ( https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/list-carb-certified-air-cleaning-devices )

Plan ahead by getting an air cleaner before smoke emergencies.

Create a Clean Room at Home:

Visit the EPA website for details on creating a Clean Room during wildfires.

Establishing a "Clean Room" at home is beneficial for those in wildfire-prone areas, especially those with health conditions.

Reduce Smoke Inside Vehicles:

Keep vehicle windows and vents closed to reduce smoke intake.

Use air conditioning in "recirculate" mode if possible.

Consult the owner's manual to ensure the system is set to minimize outdoor smoke entry.

Avoid Smokey Periods:

Use AirNow to assess Air Quality levels by Zip Code. ( https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Albany&state=NY&country=USA )

Monitor wildfire smoke levels throughout the day.

Plan outdoor trips during times with lower smoke levels if possible.



For more information click on the source listed below:

Mirabelli, M., Hutson, M., & Lahm, P. (2021, September). Wildfire Smoke, A Guide for Public Health Officials. AirNow.Gov. https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/wildfire-smoke-guide-forward_0.pdf


(Shared from today's Albany County NY email update.)

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