Air purifiers and wildfire smoke

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Be ready to evacuate

EPA says that if you are close to a wildfire, the fire itself, as well as heavy smoke and ash, can pose serious, immediate risks to your safety and health. It says to be prepared to evacuate immediately if told to do so. Follow local officials and emergency alerts first.

Why smoke matters indoors

EPA says some of the smoke from outdoors can enter your home and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. It says the biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles.

Filter the air

EPA says portable air cleaners and high-efficiency HVAC system filters can remove smoke particles from the air. It says to choose a portable air cleaner that is the right size for the room, and to make sure it does not produce ozone.

Run it where people are

EPA says to place a portable air cleaner where people spend the most time and run it as often as possible on the highest fan speed. AirNow says portable air cleaners work best when run continuously with doors and windows closed.

Make a clean room

EPA describes a clean room as a room set up to keep levels of smoke and other particles as low as possible, free from activities such as cooking or smoking, with doors and windows closed. It says a clean room can also contain a portable air cleaner.

Filters and smoke

EPA says to check the filters on your portable air cleaner or HVAC system frequently and change them when they appear dirty. It says to keep extra filters on hand during periods of heavy smoke.

Sources: EPA, Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ); EPA, Create a Clean Room to Protect Indoor Air Quality During a Wildfire; AirNow, When Smoke is in the Air.

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