Air Quality Alert: Smoke In The Air?

Wildfires are a common cause of smoke in the air, which can have a significant impact on air quality and health. With smoke levels fluctuating throughout the day, it is important to stay informed about the air quality in your area and take appropriate action to reduce smoke inhalation. This can include limiting outdoor activities, using air conditioning and air purifiers, and seeking spaces with cleaner air. Interactive maps and air quality indexes are useful tools for tracking smoke and taking the necessary precautions to protect your health.

How to check air quality

There are several ways to check the air quality in your area. One way is to use a website that provides air quality data. Here are some websites that can be used to check air quality:

• AirNow.gov: This is a US government website that provides air quality data at the local, state, national, and world levels. It also provides an interactive map that shows the current air quality in your area, along with fire locations and activity recommendations. It also has a mobile app.
• Air.com: This site uses measurements from homes and businesses in communities to indicate air quality. Purple dots indicate unhealthy air quality for everyone, while red dots represent pollution levels that are unhealthy for people with respiratory conditions.
• PurpleAir.com: This is a private company with its own network of air quality monitors purchased by users worldwide. It provides a free interactive map that displays real-time AQI readings.
• Breezometer: This website provides air quality data and forecasts.
• IQAir: This website provides air quality data, using mostly low-cost sensors.

In addition to these websites, there are also in-home air quality monitors that can be purchased. When choosing an in-home monitor, look for ones that specifically measure smoke pollution or particle pollution.

Another way to check air quality is by using your senses. If you can see, smell, or taste smoke in the air, it is likely that the air quality is poor and you should proceed with caution. Staying indoors with clean, recirculated air is recommended in such cases.

It is important to note that cloth masks do not provide protection from smoke inhalation during wildfires. If you must work outdoors, it is recommended to wear an N95 respirator mask to reduce smoke exposure.

Cloth masks don't protect from smoke

It is important to be aware of the air quality in your area, especially if you are susceptible to respiratory issues. Smoke levels can change quickly and significantly during the day, so it is a good idea to check the Air Quality Index before planning outdoor activities. If you are in an area with poor air quality due to smoke, it is recommended to limit your time outdoors and reduce strenuous activities.

While wearing a mask has become a common practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to note that not all masks are created equal when it comes to protecting against smoke inhalation. Cloth masks, which have been widely used to slow the spread of the virus, are not effective in blocking small, harmful particles in smoke. Wildfire smoke particles can range from 2.5 microns and smaller, and cloth masks are not designed to protect against particles of this size.

Dr. Jonathan Parsons, a pulmonologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, confirms that "cloth masks and surgical masks are not designed to protect you against particles that small, so the smoke goes through." Instead, N95 respirator masks are recommended for protection against wildfire smoke. N95 masks are specifically engineered to filter out very small particles about .3 microns in size and larger, making them effective against smoke.

While cloth masks may not protect you from smoke inhalation, they can still be effective in curbing the spread of COVID-19, even in areas affected by wildfires. Dr. Parsons recommends continuing to wear cloth and surgical masks when social distancing is not possible, as they help contain respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. However, it is crucial to understand that cloth masks do not provide a barrier against inhaling harmful smoke particles.

To protect yourself from smoke inhalation, it is advisable to limit your exposure to smoky outdoor air. When indoors, you can create a clean air room by using air conditioners, heat pumps, fans, and window shades to maintain a comfortable temperature. Additionally, consider using a portable air cleaner or a DIY air cleaner to reduce wildfire smoke indoors. Remember, cloth masks may be useful for virus protection, but they are not a substitute for taking appropriate measures to avoid inhaling harmful smoke.

N95 masks do protect from smoke

Smoke in the air is usually caused by wildfires, which can send smoke, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants high into the atmosphere. These pollutants can travel far and affect air quality in areas far from the source of the fire. Spending too much time outdoors when the air quality is poor can be harmful to your health. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself when there is smoke in the air.

N95 masks are a type of personal protective equipment that can be used to protect yourself from smoke in the air. N95 masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of very small particles, including viruses, bacteria, and pollutants such as dust, smoke, and pollen. The "N95" designation refers to the mask's ability to block at least 95% of particles 0.3 microns in size or larger. This makes them highly effective in filtering out the fine particles found in smoke, which can pose health risks.

N95 masks have a tight-fitting design with a metal nose clip and elastic straps to ensure a secure fit. This snug fit helps prevent unfiltered air from entering through gaps around the edges of the mask. It is important to note that N95 masks should be properly fitted and used according to guidelines to maximize their effectiveness in providing respiratory protection. Additionally, N95 masks should be inspected before each use, and any masks with broken straps or nose clips should be discarded.

While N95 masks can provide protection from smoke, they are not perfect. N95 masks will not be able to remove carbon monoxide from the air, and they are not oil-resistant. It is also important to consider other factors that may impact the effectiveness of N95 masks, such as facial hair interference or improper fit. In addition to wearing an N95 mask, it is recommended to limit your time spent outdoors, take frequent breaks in clean indoor spaces, and use air conditioning and air purifiers to improve indoor air quality.

Reduce smoke inhalation

Smoke inhalation is a serious issue that can cause a range of health problems and even death. While short-term exposure to smoke may not be a major risk for healthy individuals, it is still advisable to limit smoke inhalation as much as possible. Here are some ways to reduce smoke inhalation, both indoors and outdoors:

Reducing Smoke Inhalation Indoors:

• Keep windows and doors closed: During periods of high air pollution or wildfire activity, it is recommended to keep your windows and doors shut to prevent smoke from entering your home.
• Use fans and air conditioning: Mechanical ventilation can help improve indoor air quality by circulating clean air and reducing the concentration of smoke particles. Ensure your HVAC system is set to recirculate mode or close the outdoor intake damper. Standard fans and air conditioning can also help you stay cool without needing to open windows.
• Monitor air quality: Keep track of your local outdoor air quality using resources like AirNow.gov. This can help you anticipate and manage your indoor air quality accordingly.
• Prepare for wildfire season: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, take proactive steps to prepare for the fire season. This is especially crucial for the health of children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung disease.
• Use N95 respirator masks: Consider purchasing N95 respirator masks for yourself and your family members. These masks can provide better protection against smoke inhalation than cloth or surgical masks.

Reducing Smoke Inhalation Outdoors:

• Avoid areas with high smoke levels: If you are in an area with visible smoke or close to a fire, try to move to a location with better air quality.
• Seek shelter: If the outdoor air quality is poor, seek shelter in a well-ventilated building or vehicle. This can help reduce your exposure to smoke particles.
• Protect yourself: If you must be outdoors in smoky conditions, consider wearing a well-fitted N95 respirator mask to reduce the amount of smoke you inhale.
• Monitor your health: Smoke inhalation can have both immediate and delayed effects on your health. Pay attention to any symptoms you may experience, such as coughing, headache, nausea, or respiratory issues, and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, smoke inhalation can be dangerous, and it is always best to try to avoid breathing in smoke whenever possible. Taking proactive measures to reduce your exposure to smoke, both indoors and outdoors, can help protect your health and the health of your loved ones.

Track smoke with interactive maps

There are several interactive maps that can help you track smoke and air quality. These maps are especially useful for those affected by wildfires and smoke from other sources. One such map is the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, which displays ground-level air quality data from monitors recording fine particulates (PM2.5) from smoke and other sources. The map also provides information on fires, smoke plume locations, and special statements about smoke issued by various sources. AirNow reports air quality using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), a colour-coded index designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy. The map is updated daily at 10 am Eastern Time.

Another useful resource is the NOAA Hazard Mapping System (HMS), which provides fire and smoke data products. The HMS uses satellite fire detection algorithms to detect active fires and generate smoke data statistics. The system also provides fire detection point data, which describes the centre latitude/longitude coordinates of the corresponding satellite pixel in which a potential fire event was detected. It's important to note that the exact location of a fire may differ depending on the spatial resolution of the data set, and fire pixels detected over mountain ranges or steep terrain may have larger locational errors. The HMS products are typically updated between 8 am and 10 am Eastern Time.

Additionally, The New York Times offers interactive maps that track air quality and smoke from wildfires in North America. These maps provide a visual representation of the areas affected by smoke and haze, helping users understand the current status of air quality in their region.

By utilising these interactive maps, individuals can stay informed about the presence of smoke in their area and take necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being. These tools empower users with the knowledge to make informed decisions, especially during wildfire seasons or periods of poor air quality.

Frequently asked questions