Tips for avoiding smoke and air pollution during wildfires – CleanLink

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging residents of the Great Lakes region to prepare for smoke from wildfires this summer . The EPA encourages everyone to stay informed about local air quality and implement plans to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke and protect your health.

"Meme, if the large forest fires are found in the Centaines, in the millimeters of kilometers, the new annual fires are about to produce heavy smoke in the Grands Lacs region," explains DebraShore, regional administrator of the Fatherland "To know what has been done can be used to reduce smoke exposure, helping families breathe better and stay healthy. »

Summer wildfires in the United States and Canada are becoming larger and more frequent. Last summer, Canada saw a record number of wildfires, producing smoke that caused unhealthy air quality and sparked widespread health warnings in the Great Lakes region and the United States.

Everyone can take the following steps to protect themselves from smoke and air pollution during a wildfire:

• If residents do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay indoors with the windows closed, seek shelter with friends or family or in a local air-conditioned public building, such as a shelter. B. a cinema, a shopping center, a library, etc. Toilet cleaning. Room. Air raid protection.

• Keep a supply of N95 or P100 respirators to use when leaving the house if the air quality is unhealthy. Respirators can help prevent inhaling soot and fine particles from smoke.

• Consider purchasing a portable air purifier (avoid ozone-generating technologies) or making one yourself.

• Learn how to adjust HVAC systems or air conditioning to prevent smoke intrusion and consider purchasing a high-efficiency HVAC filter (e.g., MERV-13).

• Replace the filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations, typically every 60 to 90 days or sooner if heavily soiled.

• Make sure children, the elderly, pregnant people and people with asthma or other lung or heart problems take medication and food for at least five days to avoid going out.

• People with asthma or other lung or heart problems may consider developing a medical action plan in consultation with a healthcare professional, as well as an evacuation plan if heavy smoke continues for several days.

Smoke from wildfires can cause air quality to deteriorate rapidly and become harmful to health, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant people and people with heart or lung disease. Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles released when wood and other organic materials burn. Fine particles from wildfire smoke are the biggest health concern because they can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract and worsen symptoms of chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma.

Because poor air quality affects everyone, the EPA encourages the public to change their outdoor activities and also protect indoor air quality. Individuals and businesses can do their part by driving less this summer, reducing their energy consumption and preventing vehicle stalls and outdoor fires.

For more tips, check out these three strategies for safe on-site IAQ .

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