Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality

Wildfires are currently raging in Canada and some parts of the northern U.S. While the situation is especially scary for those in the immediate vicinity, pollution from wildfires can actually carry for thousands of miles, impacting indoor air quality.

Can you see Indoor Air Quality?

If it’s bad enough –  yes, you can see poor indoor air quality as smoke or as dust floating in front of a window. However, the majority of particles that make up air pollution are too small for the human eye to see. Combustion particles, such as those from forest fires, are many times smaller than a single grain of sand.

Impact on health and comfort

Wildfires are far from the only source of pollution. Dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, smoke and other irritants are constantly floating in a home’s indoor air. All of these things become trapped, especially during heating and cooling seasons, and wind up in our lungs.

This isn’t good news for anyone, but has a very negative impact on family members with asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions.

What should I do?

Our infographic below has some tips for staying healthy during wildfire season. To keep the air in your home healthy year-round, follow these simple tips:

• To reduce pollen during allergy season, remove clothes and wash immediately after being outside and shower before bed.
• Keep windows closed during air quality alerts or when pollen counts are high.
• Use an air purifier to help trap pollutants and improve indoor air quality.