Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality
Overview
Western states and provinces in North America have been plagued by larger and more devastating wildfires in recent years. These fires can cause rampant destruction, laying waste to homes and businesses and even claiming lives.
Wildfires can start naturally from the heat of the sun during drought season or by random lightning strikes. But the most common cause is human carelessness such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes and arson. Other factors at play include climate change, encroaching development and the mismanagement of forests.
Health Risks Associated with Wildfire Smoke
Air quality declines dramatically every time a fire breaks out. Wildfire smoke contains a number of harmful components including gasses such as nitrogen oxides, ozone and carbon monoxide as well as fine particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 can easily be inhaled and trapped deep into the lungs, negatively impacting health. Wildfire smoke exposes people to extremely high levels of PM2.5, (around 12 to 150 ug/m3), the equivalent of smoking 1 to 7 cigarettes a day.
Common short term side effects of wildfire smoke exposure include:
- Coughing
- Eye, Throat, Sinus Irritation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Chest Pain
- Asthma
- Difficulty Breathing (Rapid Heartbeat, Shortness of Breath)
The most common long term effects include respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Those most at risk include people with asthma, lung or heart conditions, the elderly and children.
Solutions
Smoke from wildfires seeps into homes and buildings, adversely affecting indoor air quality (IAQ). Up to 80% of wildfire smoke exposure happens indoors.
To protect yourself and your family, seal up your home to prevent as much smoke as you can from getting in. An air purifier with HEPA & chemical filtration, will also help remove fine particulate matter as well as toxic gasses and odors from indoor air.
AF 400M
HEPA Air Purifier
A portable air purifier for localized chemical, odor and particle removal. 300 nominal CFM.
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AF 400
HEPA Air Purifier
Compact and powerful, the AF400 is ideal for localized chemical, odor and particle removal. 300 nominal CFM.
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AF 1000
HEPA Air Purifier
Enhanced protection against airborne pollutants including chemicals, gases, odors and particles. 600 nominal CFM.
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AF 2000
HEPA Air Purifier
Designed to handle high concentrations of chemicals, gases, odors, particles and biological contaminants. 1000 nominal CFM.
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