Protecting Indoor Air Quality During California's Wildfires

Wildfires in California have been increasing in size, frequency, and intensity, contributing to reduced air quality for people living near or downwind. The smoke from these fires contains fine particulate matter, which can infiltrate the heart, lungs, and even the bloodstream. As a result, exposure to wildfire smoke can cause a range of health issues, from mild eye and respiratory tract irritation to more severe problems such as asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes. To protect yourself from indoor air pollution during California wildfires, it is essential to minimize the entry of outdoor pollutants into your home and use filtration systems to remove airborne particles. Here are some strategies to decrease indoor air pollution and protect your health during these hazardous events.

Avoid indoor activities that increase pollution, like burning candles, using gas stoves, or vacuuming

During the California fires, it is crucial to take precautions to decrease indoor air pollution and protect your health. One important step is to avoid indoor activities that can further deteriorate the air quality. Here are some specific activities to refrain from and the reasons behind their impact on indoor air pollution:

Burning candles: Candles may seem like a harmless source of light and ambiance during power outages, but they contribute to indoor air pollution. Burning candles release particulate matter, including fine particles and ultrafine particles, into the air. These particles can be harmful, especially to children, as they can cause or exacerbate respiratory issues and have been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, and neurological disorders.

Using gas stoves: Gas stoves are a significant source of household air pollution. They release two prevalent greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide and methane. While carbon dioxide contributes to climate change, methane is not directly harmful to human health. However, it can have a substantial impact on the climate. Additionally, gas stoves produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which increases the risk of chronic lung disease and mortality for both adults and children.

Vacuuming: Operating a vacuum cleaner can stir up settled dust and particles, releasing them back into the air. During the California fires, when the outdoor air quality is already poor, vacuuming can worsen indoor air quality by increasing the concentration of particulate matter indoors.

It is important to note that while avoiding these activities can help reduce indoor air pollution, taking additional measures, such as using air purifiers, certified box fans with MERV 13 or higher-rated filters, or seeking alternative shelter with proper ventilation and air conditioning, is also crucial to protect your health during the California fires.

Use an electric or gas stove instead of a wood stove or fireplace

During wildfires, it is important to reduce indoor air pollution to protect your health. One way to do this is by using an electric or gas stove instead of a wood stove or fireplace.

Electric stoves are more flexible and can be placed anywhere there is a plug point. They are also low maintenance, as they do not produce ash or require a chimney, which would need regular cleaning. Electric stoves are also more efficient, as all the heat generated goes into your room, whereas with a wood stove, heat is lost through the chimney. They are also more convenient, as some models can be operated by remote control. However, electricity is a more expensive fuel, so they are more costly to run than gas or wood stoves. Basic models start at under £100, but running a 2kW stove during the colder months could cost around £250.

Gas stoves are also a good alternative to wood-burning stoves. They are cheaper to run and give out a lot of heat. They also require less maintenance than wood-burning stoves. However, they need to be checked annually by a professional to ensure they are functioning properly and vented to the outdoors.

If you do use a wood stove or fireplace, use "seasoned" (dry) wood, and make sure your fireplace or wood stove drafts properly. Also, be sure to have an annual professional inspection to detect potentially deadly carbon monoxide leaks.

Use a medium- or high-efficiency filter in your central forced air system

During the California wildfires, smoke and air pollutants can enter your home even if you're not near an active fire. To protect yourself from indoor air pollution, it is recommended that you use a medium- or high-efficiency filter in your central forced air system. Here are some detailed steps and guidelines to help you do this effectively:

First, check if your HVAC system can accommodate a medium- or high-efficiency filter. These filters are designed to capture and remove airborne particles, improving the air quality in your home. If your HVAC system is compatible, look for filters rated as MERV13 or higher. This rating indicates superior filtration performance, ensuring that a significant proportion of airborne particles are trapped before they enter your home.

If you have a central forced air system, installing a medium- or high-efficiency filter can be a highly effective solution. These filters are designed to remove airborne particles, including those that may be present during wildfire events. By installing one of these filters, you can significantly improve the air quality in your home, reducing the amount of smoke and pollutants that enter your living space.

To install the filter, locate the filter slot in your central forced air system. It is usually found where the return air duct enters the unit. Turn off the system before attempting any maintenance or installation. Carefully remove the existing filter, if there is one, and dispose of it properly. Ensure you wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, to avoid any potential irritants or allergens on the old filter.

Next, take your new medium- or high-efficiency filter and check that it is the correct size for your system. Carefully insert the new filter into the slot, ensuring it is secure and properly seated. Once the filter is in place, you can turn your central forced air system back on. It is now actively filtering the air circulating through your home, trapping airborne particles and improving the overall air quality.

It is important to regularly maintain your central forced air system and replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Over time, the filter will become clogged with captured particles, reducing its effectiveness. By replacing the filter periodically, you can ensure that your system continues to provide clean and healthy air for your household during the California wildfires and beyond.

Close windows and doors when outdoor air pollution is high, and use indoor air cleaners

During California wildfires, it is important to keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor air pollution from entering your home. Smoke from wildfires can travel far and wide, and even if you are far from the fire, you may still be exposed to smoke and its adverse effects on indoor air quality. Closing windows and doors is a simple yet effective way to reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants.

However, this also means that ventilation with outdoor air is reduced, which can be problematic if indoor activities or products are generating pollutants. In such cases, it is recommended to use indoor air cleaners to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air.

Air cleaners, also known as air purifiers, are devices that remove pollutants from the air. They are particularly useful during wildfire events, as they can help reduce the amount of smoke and particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. There are two main types of air cleaners: commercial air cleaners and DIY air cleaners.

Commercial air cleaners are available as portable units or whole-house systems. They use filters to capture particulate matter and are generally more standardized in terms of performance and reliability. However, they may be difficult to obtain during smoky conditions due to limited availability or high cost.

DIY air cleaners, on the other hand, are made by attaching one or more filters to a box fan with tape, brackets, or a bungee cord. They offer a more affordable and accessible alternative to commercial units. The EPA has been conducting research on the effectiveness and safety of DIY air cleaners, and while some studies indicate that well-built DIY air cleaners can perform similarly to commercial ones, their performance can vary depending on their design and assembly.

It is important to note that air cleaners should not be solely relied upon. They are part of a comprehensive indoor air quality strategy that includes ventilation and other appropriate health measures. Additionally, if you are using a DIY air cleaner, ensure that you follow safety precautions as there is a risk of the box fan overheating and posing a fire hazard.

Wear a N95 respirator mask outdoors; ensure it's NIOSH-certified

If you live in California and want to decrease indoor air pollution during wildfires, it is recommended that you wear a respirator mask outdoors. The N95 respirator mask is a popular choice, as it can reduce your intake of pollutants.

The N95 respirator mask is a type of disposable filtering facepiece respirator. It is designed to be comfortable and easy to adjust, with head straps that can be fixed to fit your head size. The material is soft and skin-friendly, and it fits the average adult. There are typically four layers of non-woven fabric that work together to provide superior protection. The four layers make it difficult for particles to travel through the mask and into your nose or mouth, while still allowing you to breathe easily.

It is important to ensure that your N95 respirator mask is NIOSH-certified. NIOSH, or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is part of the CDC. They require that N95 masks pass an inspection and certification process to ensure that they can protect the wearer from airborne illnesses. NIOSH-approved respirators can filter out at least 95% of non-oil-based particles 0.3 microns or larger.

In addition to wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator mask outdoors, you can also use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. It is also recommended to keep windows and doors closed during wildfires to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering your home.

Frequently asked questions