How to Protect Yourself from Poor Air Quality After Wildfires

Author:
Denise Cummins, DNP, RN, WHNP-BC, CPHQ
MCH Quality Representative

January 22, 2025 – Wildfires can leave a trail of destruction, and one of their most insidious effects is poor air quality. Winds can carry smoke and particulate matter far away from the actual fires. In the mountains, a combination of poor air quality and high altitude can cause or worsen health issues.

As Manny Manalo, RCP-RRT, BSRT, Mountains Community Hospital Manager of Respiratory Therapy, explains: “After a wildfire or strong winds happen in our community, the aftermath creates a very polluted atmosphere and the quality of air is bad, especially to highly sensitive patients (chronic respiratory illness). Breathing bad air can irritate the airways in our lungs; to protect our health, it is important to stray away from doing outdoor activities and wear a mask when outside.”

Here are a few precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones:

Stay Informed
Use reliable sources to find out how to protect your home’s air quality and yourself while outdoors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality webpage offering detailed guidance on home air quality. Local news, weather apps, or government websites, such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District, provide real-time updates so you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities.

Use an Air Cleaner
A portable air cleaner can help remove smoke from the air in your home. Put it in the room where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom or living room. Make sure it is the right size for the room and doesn’t produce ozone. The California Air Resources Board maintains a list of air cleaners that emit little or no ozone.

Create a Clean Room
Designate a “clean room” where you can retreat when air quality is particularly bad. This is especially important for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems. Keep windows and doors closed, and use an air purifier in this room.

Limit Outdoor Activities
Limit your time outdoors when air quality is poor, especially if you have respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Avoid strenuous activities that increase your breathing rate and exposure to smoke. If you must go out, do it when the air quality is better, such as early morning or late evening.

Wear Masks
Consider wearing a mask when outdoors to filter out harmful particles. Masks labeled N95 are designed to filter out fine particulate matter. Make sure the mask fits snugly and covers your nose and mouth properly.

Seek Medical Advice
If you or someone in your household experiences symptoms like persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek medical advice promptly. Mountains Community Hospital offers 24/7 emergency services as well as primary care at its Rural Health Clinics, located in Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs.

Engage in Community Efforts
Initiate or participate in community efforts to improve air quality. This can include advocating for better forest management practices, local clean air initiatives, and community clean-up efforts. Stay informed, take proactive measures, and engage in community efforts to ensure a healthier environment for everyone.