As wildfires continue to rage in the Los Angeles area, it should be obvious that the flames themselves are major threats, leaving devastation in their trails. So is the intense heat generated. But remember, where there’s fire, there’s smoke, which may be a reversal of the standard proverb but is highly relevant here. The wildfires are creating large amounts of smoke that are themselves major threats. And these huge billows of wildfire smoke will remain huge problems for a while and could end up traveling huge distances from the flames.
Wildfire Smoke Contains Particulate Matter
That’s because wildfire smoke can have all sorts of harmful stuff in them. Any kind of smoke contains particulate matter, which is a more cultured way of saying bits and pieces of stuff floating in the air. This particulate matter can range from clearly visible chunks of junk floating in the air to smaller and smaller particles.
Now particulate matter is clearly a situation where size does matter as the smaller the particles the more likely they are to get into your respiratory tract and potentially down to your lungs. Particularly concerning are the “fine inhalable particles” or PM2.5 which are particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller. These particles certainly aren’t “fine” for your health because they are tiny enough to get into the smallest airways of your lungs to cause irritation and damage. This can be taxing on not only your lungs but also your cardiovascular system. That’s why inhaling such particles can not only cause breathing problems, trigger asthma attacks or exacerbate existing lung problems, it can also increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke, especially in those with other risk factors for such medical problems.
The other more than tiny problem with these fine inhalable particles is that they can be too small to see. So what appears to be clear air can actually be packed with PM2.5 stuff. Therefore, don’t rely on just your eyes to determine how clear the air really is.
Speaking of eyes, particulate matter can get in your eyes as well, leading to significant irritation. Therefore, if you find your eyes burning and tearing up, there’s a decent change that the air around you is polluted with particulate matter.
Wildfire Smoke Can Contain Toxic Gases
The other dangerous components of wildfire smoke are the various toxic gases that result from the burning of plants, other organic material, rubber, and who knows what else may be on the grounds of the Los Angeles area. Naturally, the closer you are to the flames the greater the concentration of such gases. Even after the flames are long gone though, charred debris can continue to emit toxic fumes and spray particulate matter into the air.
The health effects of toxic fumes depend on the specific types of chemicals in those fumes. But the potential impact can range from skin, eye or respiratory tract irritation to cancer.
Stay Indoors With Wildfire Smoke Outside
If you are around the Los Angeles area right now, it’s best to stay indoors as much as possible and limit your time outdoors. Again, don’t trust your eyes to determine how clear the air may be. Keep your windows and doors closed. Seal any other opening that may allow wildfire smoke to seep into your living quarters or consider using thick wet cloths to block such openings.
Naturally, you don’t want to stay inside your house if it is on fire. Therefore, staying indoors doesn’t mean remaining oblivious as to what is happening outside. Keep track of where the wildfires and smoke are traveling through the news or tracking websites and apps. Also, pay attention to what’s happening right outside where you live.
Air Purifiers With HEPA Filters Can Protect Against Wildfire Smoke
If possible use air purifiers that have high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to keep the indoor air around you clean. In theory, such filters are supposed to remove at least 99.97% of the particles that are 0.3 microns (µm) in size from the air. This includes dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and, yes, fine particulate matter. Pay attention to the HEPA filter’s Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, which represents the filter’s ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm) in size. The higher MERV rating the better that filter is at trapping such sized particles. Also, clean and replace the filter regularly. As Maroon 5 sang, nothing lasts forever.
Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity While Outdoors With Wildfire Smoke
This is not the time to start training for the marathon outside. More vigorous physical activity will increase your breathing rate and, thus, the amount of stuff in the air that you inhale. This doesn’t mean completely stop exercising, because exercise is good for you. Just try to do it indoors in locations that have clean filtered air.
N95 Or P100 Face Masks Can Protect You Against Wildfire Smoke
Unfortunately, some politicians have politicized the heck out of face masks as I have written previously for Forbes. But the bottom line is face masks like N95 and P100 respirators are specially designed to filter very small particles out of the air so that you don’t inhale them. In other words, such face masks work.
Now, this doesn’t mean just any face mask will work. A bandana, surgical mask or Deadpool mask won’t do a whole lot. When it comes to choosing the right face mask, it’s important to know not only your alphabet but also your numbers. Look first for the letter that tells you the class of the respirator:
- “N” stands for “Non-Oil” meaning that the respirator is not resistant to oil.
- “R” stands for “Resistant to Oil” for 8 hours
- “P” means that the respirator is oil proof
Unless you are planning on seasoning your face mask with olive oil or something like that, you probably do not need to choose a P or R face mask over an N one. That’s assuming that you won’t be in an area with lots of oily fumes.
So as long as you have one of these lettered respirators, the next thing to check for the number right after it. The number stands for the respirator’s efficiency at filtering out particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. So, a N95 mask can filter 95 percent of such particles. A mask with a name that ends with a 99 would be 99 percent efficient. A P100 respirator is not 100 efficient because nothing is 100 percent in life. But such a mask does get close with a 99.97 percent efficiency.
Now, it’s not enough to simply see N95 or P100 on the face mask or it’s packaging. There are lots of face masks out there falsely advertised as such. Look for masks that have been tested and approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The face mask and packaging should have the word “NIOSH” along with either “N95” or “P100” printed on them. If it says something else like “NASH”, “KIBOSH” or “KNISH,” don’t trust the N95 or P100 rating. A Knish mask could be something totally different.
Face masks with NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 ratings are composed of interlacing propylene fibers that make it physically difficult for small particles to get past. Additionally, these fibers are imbued with electrostatic charges that will cause such particles to stick to the fibers.
Also, you’ve got to wear the N95 or P100 respirator properly for it to really protect you. Forming a tight seal around your mouth and nose is key. The respirator should have two straps that go around your head and hold your mask tightly to your face. Masks that have ear loops instead will not form tight enough seals. Also, don’t wear such face masks as you would a pair of Hailey Bieber Trouser Pants or skinny jeans. It has to be the appropriate size that will fit over your nose and under your chin without bunching up in any way so that the edges lift off your face.
Try to replace your N95 or P100 face masks frequently. They lose effectiveness over use and time for three reasons. One reason is the loss of electrostatic charge. Another is that bending and distorting the face mask may separate the lattices of fibers. A third reason is that dirt and oil can degrade the face mask, especially if it is not oil resistant. And regardless of what you may think about yourself, you are a very oily person. Simply touching the face mask with your hands will leave oil on the mask.
Check Air Quality Reports Each Day To Follow The Wildfire Smoke
Finally, remember what happened to the smoke generated by the wildfires in Central Canada in 2023. They spread all the way across the Northeast U.S., as I reported for Forbes at the time. Yep, wildfire smoke can and will travel. And such smoke can linger for a while. The resulting path and distance all depends on how much smoke is generated and what the winds and weather end up doing.
Therefore, regardless of where you live in the U.S., it’s a good idea to keep monitoring the air quality indices around you. Again, while there’s always going to be smoke with fire, in the case of wildfire smoke, there can be smoke without the fire.
