What you need to breathe easier when the air is full of smoke

Breathing Through the Smoke: Expert Guidance for Wildfire Season

What you need to breathe easier – Across North America, millions of residents are currently navigating poor air quality conditions. The culprit? A combination of hundreds of active wildfires in Canada alongside additional blazes burning in northern Minnesota. For those living in impacted regions, monitoring air quality before venturing out this weekend is essential. Having the right supplies on hand can significantly improve daily comfort when smoke fills the atmosphere.

Wildfire smoke presents a complex mixture of gases and microscopic particles. The most significant threat to human health comes from PM2.5—particulate matter smaller than a human hair’s width. These tiny invaders can lodge deep within lung tissue or even penetrate the bloodstream, potentially causing long-term health complications. Medical professionals strongly advise reducing exposure time whenever possible.

Monitoring Air Quality in Real Time

Dr. Rebecca Bascom, an attending physician at Penn State who trains fellows in pulmonary and critical care medicine, recommends consulting AirNow.gov before scheduling outdoor activities. She explains that the platform provides real-time monitoring capabilities.

“They do real-time monitoring, so you’re able to know where your area is at a specific time, so you have both forecasting where you can try to predict what you’re going to be up against,” she said.

Dr. Bascom notes that modern access to health-related information has improved dramatically compared to previous decades. When AirNow.gov or preferred weather applications indicate unhealthy red or very unhealthy purple air quality levels, physicians suggest remaining indoors.

Prevention and Avoidance Strategies

Dr. Rubabin Tooba, a pulmonologist with critical care medicine expertise at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, emphasizes that respiratory issues can affect anyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions.

“We really should be mindful that even if we don’t have any underlying lung disease, we can still have problems breathing, particularly in this environment with the wildfire smoke,” said Dr. Tooba.

Dr. Saema Tahir, a New York-based pulmonologist and critical care specialist, reinforces that avoidance remains the optimal approach for everyone.

“Rule of thumb: It doesn’t matter if you’re healthy or not, young or old. Avoidance is always the best practice,” she said.

Optimizing Indoor Air Quality

When staying indoors, sealing windows and doors while operating air conditioning becomes crucial. Dr. Tahir advises that window and door-mounted units require thorough sealing to prevent outside air infiltration. Proper ventilation proves especially important during hot weather conditions.

Dr. Tooba explains that heat generates additional airborne particles, which combine with existing smoke to worsen respiratory conditions. Stagnant air allows particles to accumulate, making ventilation a priority.

HEPA filters represent an excellent solution for maintaining clean indoor air. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, these systems capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles, including smoke, dust, and pet dander. Dr. Kirsten Koehler, a professor studying air quality at Johns Hopkins, recommends keeping windows closed, maintaining central air operation, and utilizing MERV filters within HVAC systems when feasible.

MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, indicates a filter’s capacity to remove particles measuring between 0.3 and 10 microns. Dr. Koehler notes that higher MERV ratings correspond to better filtration performance.

Filter Selection and DIY Solutions

When selecting HEPA filters, Dr. Koehler advises verifying that the unit matches your home’s size requirements. Manufacturer labels or websites typically specify appropriate coverage areas. Alternatively, deploying multiple portable purifiers or concentrating a smaller unit in a confined space can prove effective.

For budget-conscious households, the Corsi Rosenthal box offers an affordable alternative. This DIY solution requires four MERV 13 filters, a box fan, duct tape, and scissors, with online instructions readily available. Dr. Koehler mentions that even a single filter positioned behind a box fan provides meaningful filtration.

Positioning the filter behind the fan ensures air passes through before reaching the blades, preventing debris accumulation. Additionally, Dr. Tooba suggests that individuals with asthma or similar respiratory conditions consider hypoallergenic bedding, including pillows, comforters, and bedsheets designed to resist common indoor allergens.