Wildfires have a profound effect on indoor and outdoor air quality and have even been known to cause entire communities to evacuate to be safe from unhealthy air.
A view of the San Francisco Bay from Berkeley Lab on Nov. 14, 2018 (left) and three weeks before a fire started in the region. Credit: Kelly J. Owen
Wildfires have become more frequent and more destructive in recent years. A large wildfire may directly threaten life and safety locally. It can also produce smoke plumes with hazardous air pollution levels over distances of tens to hundreds of miles. Researchers at Berkeley Lab’s Indoor Environment Group conduct research on the presence and impacts of air pollutants generated both outside and inside of buildings.
The risks of air pollution exposure vary widely across people and as pollutant levels change. To protect yourself from wildfire-generated air pollution, start by checking the air quality in your area. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI) offers a simple, color-coded labeling system with guidance about which groups may be more prone to health effects when pollution reaches a certain level.
Protection from Wildfire Air Pollution
Stay indoors with the windows closed and use air filtration if available. In a closed building, the levels of fire-related air pollutants will generally be much lower than outside; but the degree of protection varies widely across buildings. Effective filtration can be achieved by installing a high performance filter into the central heating or air conditioning system and running the fan, or by operating suitably sized portable air cleaners. You can even build your own air cleaner using a box fan and filters similar to those shown in the photo.
Consider N95 respirator masks. These can reduce your pollutant intake when you have to be outdoors or inside buildings that offer limited protection.
Air Quality Monitors and Wildfire Smoke
Low-cost air quality monitors that allow consumers to check the pollutant levels in their own homes and neighborhoods have become available in recent years. In a study published in 2020, Berkeley Lab researchers found that such monitors can provide useful information, such as how well an indoor air filtration system is working during a fire event.