Wildfire Smoke: How Can an Air Purifier Help WIth Wildfire Smoke?

As wildfires continue to ravage parts of the world with increasing frequency and intensity, the health impacts of wildfire smoke are a growing concern. The smoke produced by wildfires contains a complex mixture of harmful pollutants that can have serious consequences for our health. As we become more aware of the potential effects, we may wonder, “How can we stay safe from wildfire smoke?”

What Is Wildfire Smoke and How Far Can It Travel?

Wildfire smoke is a toxic blend of gasses and fine particles that are released when inorganic and organic materials burn. The composition of materials released into the air includes carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hazardous air pollutants, particulate matter (PM), and other hazardous substances. While particulate matter are always present in outdoor air, the concentration increases substantially during times of wildfire activity even to the point that it becomes visible.*

Even if you are far from an active wildfire, you may still be affected by the smoke. The Western Fire Chiefs Association states, “that wildfire smoke can travel far due to the fine particles picked up by the wind and lifted by the atmosphere”. It can travel hundreds of miles, impacting areas at varying distances from the actual fire, and can linger for weeks.

Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks due to its complex mixture of harmful pollutants. Exposure means breathing in these pollutants and particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs, and even enter the bloodstream, causing a range of health problems including respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Younger people, older people and those with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable.

According to Climate Central, fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke is a nationwide health concern with smoke exposure increasing 27-fold over the last decade. Here are a few ways wildfire smoke may affect your health:

Respiratory Issues: Breathing in wildfire smoke can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and exacerbation of existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Cardiovascular Impact: Fine particles in smoke can enter the bloodstream and contribute to cardiovascular problems like heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heart rhythms.
Aggravation of Pre-Existing Health Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, are at higher risk of experiencing severe health effects from wildfire smoke exposure.
Long-Term Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to long-term health issues such as decreased lung function, respiratory infections, and increased mortality rates.

What Can I Do to Stay Safe From Wildfire Smoke?

Stay Informed: Monitor local air quality reports and wildfire updates from reliable sources like the National Weather Service or local fire departments.
Limit Outdoor Activities: If there’s heavy smoke in your area, try to stay indoors as much as possible. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities that could increase your inhalation of smoke particles.
Create a Clean Air Space: Keep indoor air as clean as possible by closing windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to help reduce indoor smoke particles.
Use N95 Masks: If you must be outside or indoors with poor air quality, wearing an N95 or P100 respirator mask can help filter out smoke particles. Surgical masks and cloth masks do not provide adequate protection against smoke.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins that you may inhale.
Seek Shelter if Necessary: If smoke levels are extremely high and you don’t have access to adequate indoor air filtration, consider temporarily relocating to an area with cleaner air, such as a community shelter or a friend’s home in an unaffected area.
Protect Vulnerable Groups: Take extra care to protect children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, as they are more susceptible to the health effects of wildfire smoke.

To keep indoor air clean, be sure to use high-performance air purifiers, equipped with HEPA filters to efficiently capture harmful airborne particles and pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in wildfire smoke.

AirDoctor air purifiers are especially effective at capturing the tiniest contaminants found in wildfire smoke.

Why an AirDoctor air purifier?

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filtration: AirDoctor air purifiers utilize UltraHEPA filters, which are capable of capturing 99.99% of particles as small as 0.003 microns in size. This includes fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other smoke-related pollutants.
Activated Carbon Filters: AirDoctor also features activated carbon filters that absorb VOCs, gasses, and odors present in wildfire smoke, improving indoor air quality.
Continuous Air Purification: By running an air purifier, like AirDoctor, in your home or office, you can maintain clean indoor air free from wildfire smoke pollutants, protecting your respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Smart Sensor Technology: AirDoctor’s smart sensors monitor air quality in real-time, adjusting filtration levels as needed to optimize performance and efficiency.

Awareness is the first step in protecting you and your loved ones this wildfire season. And purchasing an AirDoctor can be your next step in taking proactive measures toward healthier living amidst environmental challenges. With AirDoctor’s HEPA filtration and activated carbon filters, AirDoctor is a smart choice in redefining your air quality for your health and home. Take the smoke out of the air and worry out of your mind by breathing easier with AirDoctor today.

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References:

https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/how-far-can-wildfire-smoke-travel/

https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/wildfire-smoke-nationwide-health-risk-2023