Preparation and action steps to reduce wildfire smoke hazards
Curated and compiled with information from
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Lara Adler, Environmental Toxins Expert
This guide will help you prepare and stay healthy as we move through wildfire season.
1. See EPA’s “How To Create A Clean Room” guide (DOC 1)
2. Filter your air to the best of your ability.
Buy: If you have access to, or can afford an air filter, here’s what to look for:
• Any filter is better than no filter
• HEPA filter is needed to capture particulates. HEPA traps particles down to 0.3 microns. Some filters can capture even smaller particles.This is great.
• Activated Carbon is needed to capture the VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) produced by wildfires, which can be very harmful. Any carbon is better than no carbon, but ideally a unit has 10+ pounds of carbon. (Austin Air, Air Pura, and IQAir are all brands that make models with HEPA & 10+ pounds of carbon.)
Make: If you do not have access to, nor can afford an air filter, make an inexpensive box-fan filter.
• The simplest configuration (1 fan + 1 20x20x1in filter) will cost around $40, while the Corsi-Rosenthal cube, which is far more effective, will cost around $100.
• I encourage all people living in areas where wildfires, or wildfire smoke are possibilities to always have at least 1 box fan and at least 1 clean filter on hand, as these quickly sell out when a fire is happening. Having more on hand is a good idea.
3. If you are making your own Indoor Air Cleaner, do so BEFORE Exposure Risk
• Gather/purchase supplies now while they’re available. Materials will be sold out as risk of wildfire smoke increases.
• See the infographic from EPA with instructions and information on DIY Air Cleaners. (DOC 2)
• Make note of #6 and #7 below
4. Monitor Current Air Quality
Monitor your location regularly using the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map (fire.airnow.gov). Other sites to track your local air quality in real-time: IQAir, PurpleAir, and World Air Pollution.
5. Check the Air Quality Scale
Check the chart to determine your course of action (if any). (DOC 3)
6. Effectiveness of DIY Air Cleaners
• Do-It-Yourself (DIY) air cleaners, made with a box fan and MERV 13 air filter, are a cost-effective method for reducing smoke concentrations.
• The most effective DIY design will depend on the space to be cleaned, the activities carried out, space availability, potential noise disruption, and other factors.
• Improve the effectiveness of the basic DIY air cleaner design:
-Add a cardboard shroud (a no-cost improvement).
-Use a thicker filter(s) (4” rather than 1”).
-Use multiple filters (2 to 5 filter air cleaner designs).
-Keep extra filters on hand and replace when dirty.
• Designs with a cardboard shroud and multiple filters increases the cost effectiveness of DIY air cleaners, making them more effective at removing particles than higher-priced commercial units.
7. Keep this information in mind as you prepare to make and use your air cleaner
• Only use newer, certified box fans with added safety features (2012 models or newer).
• DIY air cleaners were almost completely ineffective with dirty filters, highlighting the need for frequent filter replacement during smoke events; the duration of filter lifespan will vary with use and conditions.
• DIY air cleaners made with newer model box fans are unlikely to pose a fire or burn risk but should be kept clear of obstructions and operated with common sense precautions.
• Portable air cleaners, including DIY air cleaners, are only part of a comprehensive indoor air quality strategy. They do not replace the need for ventilation and should be used in conjunction with other appropriate health measures.
For more information, go to the EPA website at:
www.epa.gov/air-research/research-diy-air-cleaners-reduce-wildfire-smoke-indoors#infographic
Stay Healthy During Times of Exposure
• Drink plenty of water.
• Take off your shoes when you come inside, and if possible, change your clothes and shower. This will reduce the tracking of particulate matter into your home.
• Increase vitamin C intake. Smoke, especially this ultra-fine particulate matter, causes widespread inflammation. Antioxidants can help counter some of the oxidative damage that leads to inflammation.
• Supplement suggestion: Liposomal glutathione is great at helping to detoxify a number of the compounds found in smoke. If you can’t find liposomal, any glutathione will do. If you don’t have access to this, look for NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), which is a precursor to glutathione and is a readily found supplement in most health food stores. NAC can help to break down mucus in the lungs.
• Quercetin is a nutrient that helps with free radical damage, which is widespread in the presence of smoke inhalation. You can get this in supplement form, but many foods contain quercetin; elderberries, tomatoes, dark cherries, green tea included. If you can, increase consumption of these.
• Load up on turmeric, ginger, and all the other antioxidants you can pack in. This includes blueberries, dark leafy greens, etc.
• If you have the ability, get and wear an N95 or N100 particulate mask. Paper masks used for home reno projects are not at all helpful here. N95and N100 masks will filter particulates around 0.3 to 0.1 microns. The most concerning particle size, and the size that’s used in the Air Quality Index ratings, is pm 2.5 and lower. These masks will help.
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