During wildfire season, it’s normal to be concerned about your property, but have you thought about how smoky air affects your health? According to the California Air Resources Board, “Health problems related to wildfire smoke exposure can be as mild as eye and respiratory tract irritation and as serious as worsening of heart and lung disease, including asthma, and even premature death.”
It’s important to be aware of how California wildfires can affect your indoor air quality so you can protect yourself and your family.
What Makes Wildfire Smoke So Dangerous?
Whether it’s a forest or a home, burning substances release various chemicals and particles that are not healthy to breathe. Tiny particles in this polluted air can irritate and aggravate existing conditions. The longer you are exposed, the greater the risk for health complications.
Who Is At Risk?
While everyone should avoid exposure to smoky air as much as possible, some populations are more sensitive to potential hazards. You’ll want to make sure the members in your household in these age groups or with these conditions are protected as much as possible.
- Children
- The Elderly
- Pregnant Women
- People With Heart Conditions
- People With Respiratory Conditions
How Does Smoky Air Get Indoors?
When smoke particles are in the air, you can bring them in with you every time you leave or return home. You can also let in polluted air every time you turn on vents in the bathroom, the kitchen oven hood, or your HVAC system.
- Through Open Windows & Doors
- Through Bathroom, Kitchen & HVAC Ventilation Systems
- Through Joints & Cracks
How Can You Keep Yourself Safe?
In addition to taking inventory on any worn door and window seals, there are other steps you can take to keep smoky air out after and during wildfires. Stay informed and prepared, and keep face masks and air filters on hand for wildfire season.
- Stay up to date with California air quality alerts.
- Change your HVAC filters regularly. Look for models rated MERV13.
- Use N-95 or P-100 masks when you go outside.
- Use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Get professional indoor air quality testing.
Indoor Air Quality Testing In Monterey
Worried about your indoor air quality after California wildfires? Contact us at M3 Environmental LLC in Monterey to schedule air quality testing today.
