Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles and affect air quality even when fires are far away. During forest fire season, smoke may create haze, burning smells, and higher levels of fine particles in the air. These particles can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, and heart, especially for children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.

The first step is to monitor your local Air Quality Index through trusted sources such as AirNow or local weather alerts. When air quality is poor, limit outdoor activity, avoid heavy exercise outside, and keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.

Create a cleaner indoor space by using central air conditioning on recirculate mode or a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter. The EPA also recommends choosing an air cleaner that is properly sized for the room and produces little or no ozone.

Avoid adding more particles indoors. Do not smoke, burn candles or incense, fry foods, or vacuum with a standard vacuum during heavy smoke periods, since these activities can worsen indoor air quality. The CDC recommends reducing indoor sources of pollution during wildfire smoke events.

When you must go outside, a well-fitting N95 or P100 respirator can provide better protection from wildfire smoke than a regular cloth or surgical mask.

Seek medical care if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, severe coughing, dizziness, or worsening symptoms. People with lung or heart conditions should follow their action plan and contact their healthcare provider with concerns.

SIGIS Carbondale encourages patients to stay informed, protect indoor air, and take wildfire smoke seriously during poor air quality days.