Wildfires are currently raging across North America, with 56 large active wildfires reported by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) as of mid-September. In 2024 so far, a total of 37,133 have burned at least 7.3 million acres of land. Comparatively, the national 10-year average for this date is 44,515 fires and only 5.8 million acres burned.
While air pollution has reached unhealthy levels in the areas of Southern California where wildfires are currently burning, wildfire smoke can be carried thousands of miles away, impacting air quality in areas across the country. In recent weeks, air quality in the area surrounding the Great Lakes has been notably affected by wildfire smoke.
While many people assume that remaining indoors when outdoor air pollution levels are high is enough to protect their lungs from the dangers of poor air quality, indoor air quality (IAQ) is often affected by outdoor pollutants.
In this article, our team of air filtration experts has compiled some of our most salient resources on wildfire smoke and air quality.
How to Prepare for Wildfire Smoke
As wildfires become increasingly prevalent, it is imperative to understand how they can affect air quality and health, even in regions far removed from the fire source. In this article, Camfil’s Mark Davidson thoroughly examines the necessary steps individuals and property owners should take to safeguard themselves and their properties when wildfire smoke is present. Learn vital information for both individuals and facilities, including the significance of maintaining lung health during smoke events, an exploration of strategies to mitigate smoke infiltration, and the importance of HVAC systems and air pressure management.
Additional important insights from the full article on strategies to prepare for wildfire smoke include practical advice tailored to various types of buildings—residential, commercial, and long-term care facilities—highlighting the distinct approaches required based on intended use and HVAC design. From sealing windows to understanding the operation of exhaust vents, this guide equips you with the essential knowledge to minimize smoke exposure.
Deep-Dive into the Impact of Wildfires on Air Quality
Air quality experts Jon Holmes and Jennifer Webb delve into the critical issue of wildfire-related pollution in an episode of the Let’s Talk Clean Air Podcast. They share valuable insights on how climate change is affecting wildfires, the dangers of wildfire smoke, and essential actions you can take to improve indoor air quality during wildfire season. The podcast episode is packed with practical advice for both individuals and organizations on how to navigate air quality challenges and protect your health.
LISTEN: Let’s Talk Clean Air | Camfil
Economic Impact of Pollution from Wildfire Smoke
A recent study in the peer-reviewed journal Science of the Total Environment reveals that particulate matter pollution from wildfire smoke is associated with 4,000 to 9,000 premature deaths each year, resulting in an economic impact of $36 to $82 billion in the United States. Researchers found that the greatest long-term economic impact of wildfire-related pollution would be felt in California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina.
READ MORE: New Study Highlights Tangible Health and Economic Impacts of Wildfire Smoke Pollution
The Link Between Wildfire Smoke and Communicable Disease
A study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology examined the potential connection between high particulate matter levels in air polluted by wildfire smoke and the COVID-19 infection rate in the area. This result aligns with earlier research indicating that the presence of fine particulate matter in the air is associated with a rise in COVID-19 infections.
The researchers discovered that a 10 µg/m3 rise in the seven-day average of PM2.5 correlated with a 6.3% relative increase in the rate of positive COVID-19 tests. Notably, this increase occurred two to six days after the rise in ambient pollution, indicating that even brief exposure to particulate matter can heighten the risk of infection.
The full article on COVID-19 infection rates during wildfire season explores potential reasons why COVID-19 and other communicable airborne diseases may spread more rapidly when particulate matter levels are elevated.
How Does Wildfire Smoke Impact Your Body?
As a resident of Northern California during an especially harsh wildfire season in 2021, Camfil’s Jennifer Webb describes the transformation of her surroundings and the harsh physical effects of smoke exposure in a video on Camfil’s YouTube channel.
The video also dives into the two primary categories of harmful contaminants found in wildfire smoke: fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants like ground-level ozone, both of which pose serious health risks. Additionally, it highlights crucial findings from the CDC linking wildfire smoke exposure to worsened COVID-19 symptoms. Don’t miss this important content that sheds light on the dangers of wildfire smoke and the impact it can have on our health and well-being.
WATCH: San Francisco Bay Area Camfil Expert – Wildfire Smoke Hazards and Solutions to Mitigate Risks
Tips for Protecting Yourself from the Health Risks Associated with Wildfire Smoke
Ensure your safety during this wildfire season by following essential guidelines for managing air quality, according to our team of professionals with combined decades in the air quality industry. This article emphasizes the effects of wildfire smoke, even at considerable distances from the source, and offers vital strategies to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. Discover how to interpret air quality advisories, minimize outdoor activities, and maintain clean indoor air through effective filtration solutions. From keeping windows closed to using the right combination of air filtration solutions to target all kinds of air pollutants, we provide thorough support. Do not allow wildfires to jeopardize your health—consult our guide and be well-prepared.
READ MORE: How to Protect Your Lungs During Wildfire Season, According to Camfil Air Quality Experts
Finding the Right Air Filtration Solutions for Wildfire Smoke Pollution in Your Area
Protecting your health and ensuring the air within your home or workplace remains clean and breathable is Camfil’s top priority. For personalized assistance in combating the adverse effects of wildfire smoke on your indoor air quality, reach out to your local Camfil representative. Our experts are well-versed in navigating the unique challenges posed by wildfire smoke pollution and can help identify the most effective air filtration solutions tailored specifically for your area.
About Camfil Clean Air Solutions
For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. We firmly believe that the best solutions for our customers are the best solutions for our planet, too. That’s why every step of the way – from design to delivery and across the product life cycle – we consider the impact of what we do on people and on the world around us. Through a fresh approach to problem-solving, innovative design, precise process control, and a strong customer focus we aim to conserve more, use less and find better ways – so we can all breathe easier.
The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 30 manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and about 5,600 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and in communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us/
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Camfil USA Air Filters
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