Wildfire smoke travels far and wide. Satellite images from past California wildfires have shown show smoke traveling with the jet stream across the United States from California to Washington D.C8. Breathing air pollution affects everyone. Even if you’re healthy, breathing in fine particles could cause acute lower respiratory tract irritations or infections.

1. Breathing in wildfire smoke, made up of toxic gases and fine particles (PM 2.5), poses an increased health risk since these fine particles can enter the lungs and travel through the bloodstream inducing inflammation.
2. It can exacerbate conditions those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease can also cause acute lower respiratory tract infections for healthy individuals.
3. Depending on the degree of smoke exposure, health effects may range from reduced lung function to heart and lung diseases.

Be sure to use an air purifier certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and look for the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which indicates the unit’s ability to reduce smoke, dust, and pollen particles. Install a carbon-based filter in your air purifier to reduce gases and odours caused by the smoke.

• Wherever possible, use fire-resistant materials. 
• Cover openings, like air intake vents, with metal screens to block embers. 
• Keep your yard and gutters free of dry leaves and twigs.
• Keep your HVAC system in good working order, regularly change the filters and keep spares on hand. 
• Invest in an air purifier, certified by AHAM for smoke removal, and put in a carbon-based filter to keep your indoor air clean in the event of a wildfire or better yet, use it daily at all times to ensure air pollutant that enters your home is consistently removed.