When you picture a wildfire, the image of smoke clouds billowing in the air will likely come to mind. It’s no secret that wildfires affect outdoor air quality—but can this smoke residue also cause issues inside your home? Yes, that is a definite possibility.
If you live in a wildfire-prone area, it’s vital to know about the potential dangers of smoke when it permeates indoor living spaces. Then, once you’re aware of the risks, you can take proactive safety measures to protect your home and well-being.
How Wildfire Smoke Gets Into Your Home
Wildfire smoke can infiltrate your home through small—and often imperceivable—cracks in the structure. The most prominent entry points are windows, exterior doors, or ventilation systems. Once smoke particles are inside, they can linger in the air and pose health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, senior adults, or those with respiratory conditions. If you detect the smell of smoke in your home, even with all the doors and windows shut, this is a telltale sign of compromised indoor air quality.
How Smoke From Wildfires Impacts Your Health
The health effects of inhaling wildfire smoke can range from mild to severe, based on your baseline health. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms like coughs, throat irritation, and shortness of breath—even in those with robust overall health. However, those with asthma or chronic lung conditions are at risk for more severe, concerning symptoms.
Long-term smoke exposure has also become a more serious threat. The number of acres burned by wildfires per year in the U.S. has more than doubled since 2000. Long-term exposure to these smoke particles can cause serious health issues such as impaired lung function, heart disease, or even death in extreme cases.
How to Mitigate Wildfire Smoke’s Effects on Indoor Air Quality
Now that you’re aware of the impact wildfires can have, let’s discuss how to protect your home from the dangers of both short- and long-term smoke exposure. Here are five tips to keep you and your loved ones breathing safely during wildfires.
- Keep Everything Sealed
Secure your indoor environment as much as possible during a wildfire event. Firmly close all the windows and exterior doors, then use weather strips to seal any gaps.
- Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers with HEPA filters will effectively combat poor indoor air quality. Concentrate those air purifiers in the rooms where you spend significant time.
- Upgrade Your HVAC System
If your home has a central heating and cooling system, make sure it has a high-efficiency filter. Look for filters rated MERV 13 or higher, as these will trap even the tiniest particles. Swap out those filters consistently to ensure optimal working order.
- Designate a “Clean Room”
Designate a space in your home as the “clean room” where you can retreat during an intense smoke day. This room should have minimal windows and no exterior-facing doors. Be sure to equip it with an air purifier as well.
- Enlist a Remediation Service
Even with all these precautionary measures, smoke damage can permeate your home. This is where professional remediation comes in. An expert technician can evaluate the degree of smoke infiltration and initiate temporary and long-term solutions.
Smoke particles often lodge themselves in hard-to-see or reach places, such as behind walls and air ducts. Fire damage remediation specialists have the tools and knowledge to clean indoor environments affected by wildfire smoke. These professionals can also test air quality to ensure a safe indoor environment.
Breathe Easy and Minimize the Impact of Wildfires
Wildfire season is often unavoidable, but with these action steps, you can mitigate the effects on your home and well-being. Now is the time to enact these safety measures, so do yourself a favor and create a haven from wildfire smoke.
