Wildfire Smoke Safety: Protecting Your Health During Smoky Conditions
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Wildfire smoke contains harmful gasses and fine particles. Photo courtesy of Unsplash [/caption]
Special to the Beacon by Lara Gaasland-Tatro, Environmental Health Specialist: Climate and Health
Jefferson County is experiencing more wildfire smoke each summer as the climate warms. Wildfire smoke is currently coming from nearby fires, including the Bear Gulch and Hamma fires in Mason County.
Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of gases and fine particles, especially particulate matter known as PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier. Exposure to this smoke can cause a range of health problems, especially for children, pregnant people, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
Understanding the Risks
Breathing in wildfire smoke can lead to symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. In people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease, smoke exposure can trigger flare-ups and increase the risk of serious complications, including hospitalization or death.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
When air quality is poor due to wildfire smoke, stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) or Do-It-Yourself (DIY) air purifiers if available, and run air conditioning in “recirculate mode” to limit smoke infiltration. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities and keep children and pets inside. If you must be outdoors, wearing a N95 mask can help filter out harmful particles, but cloth masks and surgical masks do not offer adequate protection against smoke.
You can stay informed by checking local air quality reports through trusted sources such as AirNow.gov. For all local emergency alerts, including air quality, sign up for community alerts through Nixle by texting JEFFCODEM to 888777.
Plan Ahead
Consider creating a clean air room in your home using a HEPA portable air purifier, DIY box fan filter, or home filtration with MERV 13 or higher filters (a rating for particle size that is being filtered out).
Also consider going to a Clean Air Center, which are located throughout Jefferson County. Hours vary by location, and may be extended during wildfire smoke events.
Jefferson County Clean Air Centers include: The Port Townsend Library, Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (Recommended location for those with asthma or other health conditions), The Nest Coffeehouse, The Recovery Cafe, The Port Townsend Recreation Center (For youth/families with children), the Jefferson County Library, and the Brinnon, Quilcene and Tri-Area Community Center.
By staying aware and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and reduce your risk of smoke-related health problems.
Jefferson County Public Health is sponsoring a DIY box fan filter event at the Quilcene Community Center Wednesday, August 6, from 11-2 pm. Bring a box fan if you have one, get a free filter and learn how to make your DIY air cleaner. There will also be a limited supply of box fans available, first-come, first-served, at this free community event.
