Breathe Easier Indoors
Experts detail methods to keep your home's indoor air clean during wildfire smoke
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Wildfire smoke is more than just a nuisance — it carries tiny particles that can cause serious short-term and long-term health problems, according to AP News. The good news is that you can take simple, affordable steps to keep the air inside your home much cleaner, even when fires are burning nearby.
Tiny Particles in Smoke Are the Biggest Health Threat
The main danger from wildfire smoke is fine particles in the air, according to Click Orlando. These particles are small enough to get deep into your lungs. They can trigger breathing problems, aggravate asthma, and cause long-term damage over time. You cannot see or smell them, which makes them especially dangerous.
Short-term effects include coughing, irritated eyes, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure has been linked to more serious conditions like heart and lung disease, according to MyNorthwest. People with existing health problems, children, and the elderly face the greatest risk.
Central AC Can Help — If Filters Are Up to the Job
If your home has central air conditioning, it can filter out harmful smoke particles, according to Yahoo Style. But the filter must be good enough to do the job. Experts recommend filters rated MERV 13 or higher. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value — a higher number means the filter traps smaller, more dangerous particles.
Replace filters on schedule and check that your system can handle higher-rated filters without strain, according to Click on Detroit. Running the AC on the fan setting — without the cooling function — can still help circulate and filter indoor air even when it is not hot outside.
Portable Air Purifiers and the 'Clean Room' Strategy
If you do not have central AC, a portable air purifier is your next best option. Look for one with a HEPA filter, which is designed to trap very fine particles, according to WSLS. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters catch at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.
If you can only afford one purifier, use it to create a "clean room," according to News4Jax. Pick one room — ideally a bedroom — seal the gaps under doors, and run the purifier there. This gives you at least one safe space to breathe easier during heavy smoke events.
A $30 DIY Box Fan Filter Works Just as Well
You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a commercial air purifier. A DIY filter — made by duct-taping a furnace filter to the back of a box fan — has been found to be just as effective at removing fine particles, according to Tri-City Record. This method costs as little as $30 to build.
Use a furnace filter rated MERV 13 or higher for best results. Tape it securely to the intake side of the fan so air gets pulled through the filter before blowing into the room. This simple hack can make a real difference in air quality during a wildfire emergency, according to Yahoo Health.
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