Wildfires can quickly and drastically change the landscape for wide swaths of land. In years to come, experts say the wildfire forecast could become increasingly dire.

Worsening matters, the widespread deforestation caused by wildfires further contributes to climate change because the trees aren’t around to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

Air Quality and Wildfires

Of course, the land is not the only thing affected by wildfires. Air quality is severely reduced during and after the burning, with smoke and particulate matter sometimes lingering for days and traveling hundreds of miles.

To protect your air from the impact of wildfires, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest sealing up windows, and using a portable air purifier or installing high-efficiency air filters.

Since homes are not completely sealed from the outdoor environment, using an AprilAire whole-house air purifier is a powerful way to protect your indoor air environment during adverse weather events.

When going outside while smoke lingers or cleaning up ash from surfaces, protect your airways with a mask and take regular breaks in a healthy indoor air environment. And to know when it’s safe to go outside as normal, reference the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow tools, and follow the organization’s guidance to protect yourself and your family.