Protecting Yourself From Poor Air Quality

Poor air quality can have adverse effects on health, especially for children, adults over 65, and people with certain health conditions. The primary causes of air pollution are vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, and wildfires, which release harmful gases and particles into the atmosphere. When air quality is bad, it is recommended to stay indoors, reduce outdoor activity, and wear a protective mask when going outside. Additionally, keeping windows and doors closed, using air conditioning on recirculate settings, and investing in air purifiers can help maintain healthy indoor air quality. It is also crucial to monitor air quality forecasts and alerts to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions.

Stay indoors, especially if you have breathing problems

If you have breathing problems, it is best to stay indoors when the air quality is bad. This is because air pollution can cause a number of health issues, including coughing, a sore throat, itchy eyes, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and even early death. Particle pollution, which includes smoke, dust, and other aerosols, is especially harmful to those with respiratory issues.

Wildfires, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, release large amounts of smoke into the air and can affect air quality not just locally but across entire states and continents. Therefore, it is important to stay informed about air quality conditions in your area and be prepared for poor air quality, especially if you have a breathing condition. You can check the air quality in your area on websites such as airnow.gov.

If you have breathing problems and cannot avoid going outside, it is recommended to wear a mask. An N95 mask approved by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) will provide better protection against smoke particles. However, if you are indoors, it is best to avoid wearing a mask as it can make breathing more difficult. Instead, focus on improving the indoor air quality by keeping the windows and doors closed, using an air purifier or a portable HEPA air cleaner, and adjusting the air conditioning or heating system to recirculate air instead of drawing it from the outside.

Additionally, avoid activities that can increase indoor air pollution, such as cooking, especially frying or grilling. Do not smoke inside your home, and refrain from using a fireplace, lighting candles, or burning incense. It is also recommended to hold off on vacuuming until the air quality improves, as it can recirculate settled particles and ash.

Wear a mask when outside

When air quality is poor, it is recommended to reduce the time spent outdoors and the intensity of any outdoor activities. If you must go outside, wearing a mask is advised.

Wearing a mask when outdoors is a good way to protect yourself from inhaling harmful pollutants. However, it is important to note that not all masks provide adequate protection. Cloth or dust masks, for example, may not effectively filter out fine particles. These masks are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust, and are typically used in woodworking or construction.

On the other hand, well-fitted N95 or KN95 masks are much more effective at filtering out smaller particles. These masks are designed to seal tightly around the nose and mouth, ensuring that most of the air you breathe passes through the mask's filter. The N95 and KN95 masks can block up to 95% of very small (0.3-micron) particles, which includes the tiny droplets that may carry viruses such as the flu or COVID-19.

It is important to ensure that your mask fits properly and forms a tight seal around your face. If there are gaps between your face and the mask, unfiltered air will be able to enter and be inhaled, reducing the mask's effectiveness. Thus, it is recommended to perform a seal check each time you wear a mask. This can be done by gently inhaling and ensuring that the mask collapses slightly, and then exhaling and checking that there are no leaks around the edges.

In addition to wearing a mask, it is also advised to keep yourself informed about the air quality conditions in your area. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a valuable tool to help you make informed decisions about your outdoor activities and protect your health. An AQI value under 50 is considered good air quality, while a value over 300 is considered hazardous. The higher the AQI number, the greater the risk to your health.

Avoid outdoor activities

When the air quality is poor, it is best to avoid spending time outdoors, especially for children, adults over 65, and people with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or pregnancy. The longer one spends outdoors, and the more strenuous the activity, the higher the chances of being affected by unhealthy levels of air pollution.

If you must go outside, consider wearing a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask, which has better filtration capabilities than cloth or dust masks. Keep in mind that children and adults over 65 are still considered high-risk groups, even with mask protection.

If you are an outdoor worker or avid exerciser, you are also considered to be at higher risk due to prolonged exposure to poor air quality. It is recommended to reduce the intensity of your outdoor activity or to switch to indoor activities when possible.

In addition, be mindful of the air quality alerts and forecasts provided by the EPA, NWS, and the media. Staying informed about the air quality conditions in your area can help you make safer choices for yourself and your family.

Keep windows and doors closed

Keeping the windows and doors closed is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from poor air quality. When the air quality is bad, it is recommended to limit your exposure to the outdoors and take precautions to prevent the polluted air from entering your home.

Closing the windows and doors creates a physical barrier that helps to block out harmful particles and gases from entering your living space. This is especially important when the air quality is compromised due to factors such as wildfire smoke, ground-level ozone pollution, or particle pollution from vehicles, factories, and power plants. By keeping the windows and doors shut, you can reduce the amount of smoke, dust, and other pollutants from entering your home.

In addition to closing windows and doors, it is advisable to use a heavy-duty air filtration system or a portable HEPA air cleaner. These devices are designed to trap harmful particles and improve the indoor air quality. Even with closed windows and doors, small particles can still find their way through cracks and gaps, so a dedicated air filtration system can provide an extra layer of protection.

It is also important to stay informed about the air quality conditions in your area. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a valuable tool that can help you make informed decisions to protect your health. An AQI value under 50 is generally considered good air quality, while an AQI over 300 is hazardous. Knowing the AQI can help you determine when it is necessary to take extra precautions, such as keeping the windows and doors closed.

By following these measures and staying vigilant about air quality updates, you can effectively reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants and protect your health when the air quality is poor.

Reduce energy use at home

Reducing your energy use at home is a great way to help improve air quality. Electricity production is a major contributor to air pollution, so cutting down on your energy usage can make a big difference. Here are some ways to reduce your energy usage at home:

Use energy-efficient appliances

When it comes to appliances, look for energy-efficient options that use less power. Older appliances, such as two-stroke engines in lawnmowers and leaf blowers, can be major polluters, so consider switching to electric or hand-powered alternatives.

Reduce indoor air pollution

Take steps to reduce indoor air pollution, such as avoiding frying or grilling, which can increase pollution levels. Avoid burning wood or trash, as these are major sources of particle pollution. Also, refrain from smoking indoors, and avoid lighting candles or incense.

Improve indoor air quality

Keep your indoor air clean by using air purifiers or HEPA air filters. Ensure you have adequate ventilation and consider creating a sealed clean room in your home if needed. Avoid vacuuming during periods of poor air quality, as it can redistribute settled particles.

Conserve energy

Simple actions like turning off lights and appliances when not in use can help reduce energy consumption. Additionally, consider adjusting your thermostat settings to use less energy for heating or cooling.

Prepare for air quality emergencies

Stay informed about potential air quality emergencies, such as wildfires, and be prepared to take extra precautions during those times. Stock up on medications, especially if you have respiratory conditions, and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

Frequently asked questions