Wildfires and indoor air quality (IAQ)
HERO ID
7310831
Reference Type
Archival Material
Subtype
Website
Year
2020
Language
English
| HERO ID | 7310831 |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Website |
| Year | 2020 |
| Title | Wildfires and indoor air quality (IAQ) |
| Authoring Organization | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| Abstract | During a wildfire, smoke can make the outdoor air unhealthy to breathe. Local officials may advise you to stay indoors during a smoke event. You should be aware that some of the smoke from outdoors can enter your home and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. 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. You and your family should be prepared to evacuate immediately if told to do so. Farther from a wildfire, you may be exposed to smoke even if the fire itself is far away. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system – whether you are outdoors or indoors, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases - and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions. If you are healthy, you're usually not at a major risk from short-term exposures to smoke. Still, it's a good idea to avoid breathing smoke – both outdoors and indoors – if you can help it. Learn more about the health effects of wildfire smoke. This page provides helpful information to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke inside your home. |
| Url | https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Retrieval Date | Feb. 8, 2021, 7 p.m. |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |