Wildfire Smoke: How to Avoid Serious Respiratory Problems
While the news is often packed with dramatic images of burning neighborhoods, it's the lingering smoke that creates the biggest threat for most people. Residents in fire-prone areas are more likely to have lung and respiratory issues cause by smoke than to watch their homes burn.
So how can you protect yourself?
You can start by being informed about wildfires, prepare for an emergency, and maintain quality air in your home.
The Respiratory Risks of Wildfire Smoke
With so many wildfires burning each year, what does it mean for the population in general?How will these issues affect our health, especially our respiratory health?
The increase in wildfires doesn't just create the dramatic destruction of homes, it also causes significant health concerns that can linger long after the flames are extinguished.
Smoke is more than just a hazy gray gas. It's a complex mixture of gases and fine particles that are produced when wood, leaves, and other combustible materials are burned.
The largest health threat, however, is from the fine particles. This microscopic particulate matter is small enough to penetrate deep into your lungs, causing a wide variety of health effects that include coughing and wheezing. These particles can also cause burning eyes, runny nose, and a variety of chronic heart and lung conditions.
Certain people are at a higher risk of the negative effects from smoke pollution. Anyone who has a pre-existing heart or lung disease, such as COPD or asthma with shortness of breath, should be especially wary of smoke. Older people in general are also more prone to health conditions caused by smoke than younger adults.
However, children are also more vulnerable to the problem. Because their lungs and respiratory systems are still growing, children can have significant problems when exposed to wildfire smoke.
Carbon monoxide, which is found in wildfire smoke, can reach your lungs and enter your bloodstream reducing the body's ability to deliver oxygen to organs and limbs. While the noticeable effects are generally only seen in vulnerable populations, it is possible for almost anyone to experience headaches, dizziness, and visual impairment caused by prolonged carbon monoxide exposure.
There is a concern among the general public that wildfire smoke could be causing cancer. While the research behind this specific theory is still sparse, there is evidence that people who are exposed to long-term smoke inhalation, in general, may have slightly higher risks for cancer or other chronic health issues.
Protecting Yourself Against Wildfire Air Pollution
This all brings us to the most important part of our entire discussion: protecting yourself against wildfire smoke. The best strategy against wildfire smoke is to avoid exposure as much as possible. Whether or not you have existing respiratory diseases or increased risk, avoiding areas where smoke is thick will keep you from breathing in the contaminants.Stay Prepared for Smoke Emergencies
If you have a condition that impacts your lungs and you live in a fire-prone area, then talk with your doctor to create a plan of action should smoke impact your neighborhood. You should be completely clear on when you need to leave if smoke is present, and how much medicine you should have on hand in case of an emergency.Keep a full supply of air masks on hand to protect yourself and your family. You can find them at many local hardware stores. These air masks should have an N-95 or P-100 rating; be sure that you have the right kind, as regular dust masks, which are used for construction and industrial purposes, only trap large particles like sawdust.
You can stay up-to-date on local air quality through sites and news reports. One of the most valuable resources is interactive air quality maps.
How to Deal with Wildfire Smoke
If nearby forest fires are causing significant air pollution levels in your area, local authorities may advise that you stay indoors. If this happens, be sure to close all windows and doors to keep smoke outside.If you have an air conditioner keep it running and make sure there is a clean air filter inside the unit. While these air filters are not meant to trap smoke particles (they are meant to keep the A/C unit clean), a clean filter can help reduce airborne particles of all sizes in the home.
When outside air quality improves, open windows and doors and let the natural breeze clean away any smoke particles that may have entered the home.
In some cases, fires can continue to burn for a long time, causing a significant buildup of smoke in your home, even if you are taking all the right precautions. If smoke remains strong for a long time, you could have dangerous amounts in your home, so be sure that you are not adding to the problem by using things that burn. Avoid wood-burning fireplaces, gas logs, and gas stoves for cooking. Even candles can contribute to the issue, so do your best to avoid these items.
Oransi Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke Removal
It's also possible to increase the air quality in your home by using an indoor air cleaner. Air purifiers that use advanced technology like activated carbon trap some of the smallest particles in the air, removing many of the contaminants that make smoke pollution dangerous.Mod+ Air Purifier
The Mod+ is an effective air purifier that uses high efficiency air filters, proprietary carbon, and a strong motor that delivers superior gas filtration. Despite its relatively small size, sleek design, and quiet performance, it can effectively clean a room measuring 1,361 square feet with two air changes per hour.TrueCarbon™ 200C Air Purifier
Our TrueCarbon™ air purifier specifically targets smoke, gasses, and odors making it the perfect air purifier for wildfires. The TrueCarbon™ air purifier has an effective granular activated carbon filter that's more than 2" deep and has no air holes in the filter ensuring the best possible air cleaning system for smoke.
If you want more information on our advanced air purifiers for smoke removal, contact the team at Oransi anytime and we'll make sure you have the right information to make an informed decision and help your breathing problems.Whether you need a small purifier for a child's bedroom or a large air cleaner for a commercial office, we have the products and filters for a life of clean air!
