Tips for reducing wildfire smoke inhalation and its effects

Living in the Pacific Northwest is an amazing thing. We are lucky to have the ocean, mountains, forests and cities all nearby for our enjoyment. Unfortunately, in recent years having those lush green forests nearby also means having to deal with wildfires. Wildfires are terrible for everyone. Likewise their smoke makes the air quality incredibly poor. As result wildfire smoke leads to respiratory symptoms and irritation for anyone living nearby. It is especially bad for anyone who suffers from respiratory illness, pregnant people, elderly people, immune compromised people, children, and infants.

If you need to go outside, wearing a face mask is one way to help reduce smoke inhalation. However, not all masks are created equal. To actually filter out smoke you need to use a respirator mask with an N95 or N100 rating. Unfortunately, these masks do not work for children or people with beards because the seals are not effective. Since most of us still don’t have access to N95 masks some alternatives that still offer protection are double masking, using a mask with a filter, or using a mask with a rating similar to an N95 mask like a KN95.

Above all if you can avoid exposing yourself to wildfire smoke your health will be better. Of course if you do need to go outside when it’s smoky here are some tips:

Ways to avoid getting caught in a wildfire

• Monitor local news and stay aware of fires in your area
• Check for local recommendations regarding evacuation
• Check for local recommendations regarding burn bans
• If you live in an area that is commonly at risk for wildfire have a plan

Ways to reduce wildfire smoke inhalation and exposure

• Wear an N95, KN95, KF94, or N100 respirator mask
• If you have central A/C set your system to A/C Recycling
• Use a HEPA Filter
• Keep windows closed
• Avoid going outside if you don’t have to
• Change your clothes and wash your face when you enter your home
• Wash any linens if they are exposed to wildfire smoke from an open window

Ways to reduce the effects of smoke inhalation include:

• Stay well hydrated by drinking water.
• Drink demulcent beverages such as:
  • Throat Coat Tea
  • Aloe Vera Juice (Inner Fillet)
  • Cold infused Marshmallow Root Tea
  • Plantain Juice
• Use a Neti Pot
• Use a Humidifier
• Consider getting treated with an NAC nebulizer
• Talk to your Naturopathic Doctor about herbs that may helpful in countering the effects of smoke inhalation. Some of my favorites include:
  • Grindelia
  • Elecampagne
  • Fireweed
• Eat fruits and vegetables! As you probably know fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. They also are high in fiber which is great at removing toxins from the body. Plus they contain lots of vitamins and minerals which are essential for your body’s overall function.

What is the current air quality?

Where are there currently fires?

How do I choose an air filter?

Resources:

Washington State Department of Natural Resources – Twitter Feed with Updates on Current Fires and Evacuation Areas: https://twitter.com/waDNR_fire

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center – Incident Information — Northwest Large Fire Information Summary: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/information/fire_info.aspx

Prepare for Wildfire: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/wildfire-action-plan/

Air Quality Index: https://www.airnow.gov/

King County Fire Chiefs Association: https://www.kingcountyfirechiefs.org/

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency: https://www.pscleanair.gov/

Department of Ecology State of Washington – Smoke health effects & burning alternatives: https://ecology.wa.gov/Air-Climate/Air-quality/Smoke-fire/Health-effects

Washington State Department of Health – Smoke from Fires: https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires

Washington State Department of Health – Wildfire Smoke and Face Masks: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/334-353.pdf

Seattle Wildfire Smoke Safety: https://www.seattle.gov/wildfire-smoke-safety

CDC Wildfires: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/index.html