Wildfire Aftermath: Strategies To Combat Air Pollution

Wildfires have become increasingly common in recent years, and the smoke and pollution they generate can have a significant impact on air quality, causing a range of harmful effects on human health. While the air quality in the US has improved over the past 50 years, the smoke from wildfires has erased some of the progress made. This smoke contains particulate matter (PM), which includes fine particles (PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to various health issues such as asthma, heart attacks, and neurological problems. To address the air pollution caused by wildfires, individuals can take measures such as staying indoors, using air filters, and avoiding outdoor activities during smoky conditions. Additionally, the implementation of forest and fire management policies, as well as addressing climate pressures that contribute to wildfires, are crucial steps in reducing the occurrence of wildfires and mitigating their impact on air quality.

Stay indoors with windows and doors closed

Staying indoors with windows and doors closed is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to harmful air pollution from wildfires. This is especially important for individuals with pre-existing respiratory, heart, or lung conditions, as well as children, older adults, and pregnant women.

Wildfire smoke contains a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, including PM2.5, which are produced when wood and other organic materials burn. These microscopic particles can easily penetrate homes and buildings, increasing indoor particle concentrations and causing various health issues. By staying indoors with closed windows and doors, you can limit the amount of smoke and particles entering your home, reducing potential health risks.

If you have a central-ducted air conditioning and heating system, set it to “on” to ensure constant air filtration. Additionally, close the fresh-air intake so that the system operates in recirculation mode, preventing outdoor smoke from entering your home. It is also recommended to install a high-efficiency filter with a MERV 13 rating or higher, as this will further reduce indoor particle levels.

While staying indoors helps reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, it is important to monitor local air quality reports and stay alert to any smoke-related news or health warnings. If smoke levels are high, avoid using anything that burns, such as fireplaces, gas stoves, or candles, as these activities can further degrade indoor air quality.

If you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, follow your doctor's advice on taking medications and managing your symptoms. Staying indoors with closed windows may be unsafe during extremely hot weather, so it is crucial to seek alternative shelter in such cases.

Install air filters and keep them clean

Wildfires can have a devastating impact on air quality, and the tiny particles from fires can have serious health effects, even entering the bloodstream. It is therefore important to take steps to improve indoor air quality and protect yourself from smoke exposure. One of the most effective ways to do this is to install air filters and ensure they are kept clean.

If you are able to afford it, it is recommended to purchase a dedicated air purifier or a commercial air cleaner with a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). The higher the CADR, the faster the unit filters the air. When choosing a commercial air purifier, look for one with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 13 or higher. This type of filter will be able to capture fine particulates like smoke. If you have central air conditioning, you can also get new filters with a MERV rating of 8-13 to improve indoor air quality.

If commercial air purifiers are not available or affordable, you may opt to build a DIY air cleaner. These are made by attaching one or more filters to a box fan. While DIY air cleaners are not as reliable as commercial alternatives, several studies indicate that well-built DIY air cleaners can perform similarly to commercial air purifiers in reducing airborne particles. However, their performance depends on their design and how well they are put together. It is important to frequently replace the filters during smoke events, as dirty filters will be ineffective.

During periods of heavy smoke, it is recommended to replace the filters in your air purifier or HVAC system more often than the manufacturer's recommendation. If the filters appear heavily soiled, you should consider changing them more frequently.

Clean up ash and other debris

Cleaning up ash and other debris is an important step in mitigating the impacts of a wildfire and improving air quality. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure safe and effective clean-up:

Firstly, it is crucial to wear protective gear when handling wildfire debris. This includes a respirator mask, preferably a N95 or P100 mask, to protect yourself from inhaling fine particles of ash and soot, which can be harmful to your respiratory system. Additionally, wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and eye protection to shield your skin and eyes from irritation and injury.

When cleaning, start from the highest priority areas first, such as places where children or pets play, or areas where water runoff could carry the ash into waterways or drainage systems. Use a damp cloth or mop to gently wipe down these areas and collect the ash residue. Avoid dry sweeping or vacuuming as these methods can stir up the ash and release it back into the air. If possible, use a wet-dry vacuum with a HEPA filter to safely collect the ash and prevent it from becoming airborne. Place all collected ash and debris into sealed plastic bags for disposal.

For outdoor areas, use a gentle spray of water to wet the ash and prevent it from becoming airborne during cleanup. Avoid using high-pressure hoses or power washers, as these can create a cloud of ash and spread it over a wider area. If there are trees or plants covered in ash, gently rinse them with water, taking care not to damage the plants or disturb the soil, which can also become airborne when dry.

Dispose of all ash and debris properly. Contact your local waste management authority for guidance on how to dispose of wildfire ash and debris. They may advise you to bring it to a specific disposal site or provide special collection services for hazardous waste. Do not attempt to recycle or compost wildfire ash, as it may contain harmful substances and heavy metals that can contaminate the environment.

Finally, if you have any concerns about hazardous materials in the ash, such as lead or asbestos, which may be present in structures built before the 1980s, it is advisable to contact a professional cleanup crew with experience in hazardous waste removal. They have the necessary equipment and training to handle and dispose of such materials safely and effectively.

Avoid outdoor activities and exercise

It is important to avoid outdoor activities and exercise when air pollution levels are high after a wildfire. This is because the air quality can be poor, and breathing in the polluted air can be harmful to your health. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to follow:

Firstly, stay indoors as much as possible. Keep the windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor air from entering your home. If it's too warm, consider using an air conditioner to cool down instead of opening windows. Try to create a sort of seal in your home to keep the outdoor air out.

If you have an air purifier, use it to help improve the indoor air quality. Place it in the room you most frequently occupy and run it continuously to filter out any pollutants that may have entered your home. If you don't have an air purifier, consider creating a DIY air filter using a box fan and a suitable air filter.

Avoid any strenuous outdoor activities or exercises

Dial back climate pressures that exacerbate wildfires

Climate change has been a key factor in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires, particularly in the Western United States. Warmer temperatures, reduced precipitation, and drier conditions have fueled larger and more destructive fires. The warming climate has also contributed to longer fire seasons, with fire activity extending beyond the summer months.

To dial back the climate pressures that exacerbate wildfires, addressing the root causes of climate change is essential. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, which is a significant contributor to the warming of the planet. Shifting towards renewable and clean energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices can help mitigate climate change and reduce the severity and frequency of wildfires.

Additionally, land use and forest management practices play a crucial role in wildfire risk. Smart zoning rules that discourage residential developments near fire-prone forests, increasing space between structures and nearby vegetation, and implementing controlled burns to reduce fuel loads can help reduce the intensity and impact of wildfires.

Furthermore, communities, homeowners, and forest managers can adapt to changing conditions by utilizing resources such as the Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation portal. This portal provides real-time data and information on climate risks, enabling better planning and preparation for wildfire events.

By addressing the underlying climate pressures and adapting to the changing environment, it is possible to mitigate the factors that exacerbate wildfires and protect communities, ecosystems, and air quality.

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