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View on AmazonWhat is wildfire smoke?
Wildfire smoke is dangerous because it contains fine particles that can travel deep into the lungs. The most important pollutant for health decisions is PM2.5: tiny particles that can worsen asthma, COPD, heart disease, pregnancy risk, and respiratory symptoms.
Distance from flames is not a reliable measure of smoke risk. Smoke can travel hundreds of miles and pool in valleys or indoor spaces depending on wind, ventilation, and building leaks.
AirNow and EPA guidance emphasizes reducing exposure: stay indoors when smoke is heavy, keep indoor air cleaner, use high-efficiency filtration when possible, and use properly fitted respirators outdoors when exposure cannot be avoided.
A clean-air room is a practical household strategy. Choose one room, close windows and doors, reduce air leaks, run a HEPA purifier or safe DIY filtration setup, and avoid indoor particle sources such as candles, frying, smoking, and vacuuming without HEPA filtration.
Respirators are not all equal. Cloth masks and loose surgical masks do not reliably filter wildfire smoke particles. A NIOSH-approved N95, P100, or equivalent respirator must seal well to work. People with heart or lung disease should follow medical advice before extended respirator use.
First-hour steps
- Check AQI or local smoke forecasts before deciding whether to go outside.
- Close windows, doors, fireplace dampers, and fresh-air intakes when outdoor smoke is heavy.
- Set up one clean-air room with a HEPA purifier or approved filtration method.
- Avoid indoor particle sources such as candles, frying, smoking, incense, and non-HEPA vacuuming.
- Use a well-fitting N95, P100, or equivalent respirator outdoors if exposure cannot be avoided.
- Prepare medication, inhalers, documents, pet supplies, and evacuation items in case fire conditions worsen.
- Seek medical help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, or worsening asthma symptoms.
What NOT to do
Do not use cloth masks as smoke protection.
Do not exercise outdoors when AQI is unhealthy or smoke is visible.
Do not add indoor particles with candles, frying, smoking, or fireplaces.
Do not wait to prepare until flames are visible.
Do not ignore symptoms in children, older adults, pregnant people, or people with asthma or heart disease.
Do not run portable generators indoors during smoke-related power outages.
