Breathing smoke from wildfires isn’t healthy for anyone, but some people are more likely to have health problems when the air quality isn’t good. The best way to protect your health when air is smoky is to limit time outdoors and reduce physical activity.
People at risk for problems from smoky air include:
- Children. Their lungs and airways are still developing. They also breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.
- Adults older than 65. They're more likely to have unrecognized heart or lung diseases.
- People with heart and lung diseases, such as asthma, COPD and heart failure, and diabetes.
- People with respiratory infections and colds.
- People who have had a stroke or heart attack.
- Pregnant women. Both mother and fetus are at increased risk of health effects.
- People who smoke. They are more likely to already have lower lung function and lung diseases.
When air is smoky, even healthy people can have symptoms or health problems. Symptoms can range from minor irritation to life-threatening complications, including:
- Sore throat
- Burning eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
People with heart or lung diseases should follow medical management plans created with their health care providers. Those experiencing serious symptoms when air is smoky, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, should seek immediate medical care. Those also experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath, should act as though they may have COVID-19. Protect others by staying home. Those concerned about their health can call their health care provider to discuss COVID-19 testing and other possible reasons for illness.
Early evidence indicates wildfire smoke exposures can make people more susceptible to respiratory infections, likely including COVID-19. Recent studies indicate that poor air quality can make symptoms and outcomes in people with COVID-19 more severe. And persons with, or recovering from, COVID-19 may be more at risk for negative health effects from wildfire smoke exposure because of compromised lung and heart function.
Take steps to protect your health
Before heading outside or traveling elsewhere in the region, check current conditions across the state on the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Air Quality Monitoring website. The map uses color-coded categories to report when air quality is good, moderate or unhealthy. The Southwest Clean Air Agency has current air quality information for Clark, Cowlitz and Lewis counties and may issue advisories when poor air quality is expected.
Here are some additional ways to protect yourself and your family from wildfire smoke:
- Limit time outdoors and avoid vigorous physical activity. This guide has specific recommendations for adult outdoor activity based on air quality levels. Here is a similar guide for school-age children.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Turn the air conditioner in your home and vehicle to recirculate to avoid bringing smoky outdoor air inside.
- Don’t pollute your indoor air. Avoid burning candles, using aerosol products, frying food and smoking.
- Do not vacuum unless using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuuming stirs up dust and smoke particles.
- Use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Make your own clean air fan using a standard box fan and filter with a MERV 13 rating. Check out this video by Washington Department of Ecology for instructions.
- Go to public places with monitored air quality if you cannot improve poor indoor air quality at home. (Due to COVID-19, it might not be safe for people to go to public spaces to seek cleaner indoor air away from home. Check in advance to see if these places are open and be prepared for lower capacity, to physically distance, and wear a cloth face covering.)
- Choose alternatives to outdoor family activities, such as trips to the library or a community center. (Due to COVID-19, it might not be safe for people to go to public spaces to seek cleaner indoor air away from home. Check in advance to see if these places are open and be prepared for lower capacity, to physically distance, and wear a cloth face covering.)
- Relocate if the air quality is hazardous. (Those leaving the area should consider COVID-19 restrictions in the destination county and follow all restrictions on gathering sizes.)
Public Health follows Washington Department of Health guidance when making recommendations to cancel outdoor events or activities or close schools due to wildfire smoke impacts.
Employers should refer to guidance from Washington Department of Labor & Industries for keeping their employees safe when air is unhealthy due to wildfire smoke.
Public Health does not have jurisdiction to enforce business closures due to air quality or regulate the availability of air purifiers, filters, respiratory masks or other items.
People who must be outside for extended periods of time in smoky air may benefit from wearing a special mask called a particulate respirator. Most people will find it difficult to correctly use respirator masks. If the mask does not fit properly, it will provide little or no protection and may offer a false sense of security.
These masks should not be used on children or people with facial hair. The masks have not been fully tested for use among children and are unable to get the necessary tight seal on people with facial hair.
People with lung disease, heart disease or who are chronically ill should consult a health care provider before using a mask. Wearing a mask makes it more difficult to breathe, which may worsen existing medical conditions.
- Washington State Department of Health, Smoke from fires (Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian)
- Washington State Department of Health recommendations for wildfire smoke and COVID-19
- Washington State Department of Health improving ventilation and indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events (buildings with mechanical ventilation)
- Washington Smoke Blog
- Clark County Public Health, Wildfire smoke resources for schools
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Air quality monitoring map
- Washington Department of Labor & Industries, Wildfire smoke and Washington workers
- Environmental Protection Agency air filtration fact sheet
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 considerations for cleaner air shelters and cleaner air spaces
- AirNow smoke and fire map
- Northwest Interagency Coordination Center northwest fire locations