Air quality crises are becoming more common as wildfire seasons extend, urban pollution persists, and industrial incidents release contaminants. Unlike many emergencies, poor air quality is invisible yet causes real health effects. Understanding when air is dangerous and how to protect yourself is essential modern preparedness.
Wildfire smoke is the most common cause of widespread air quality emergencies. Smoke from fires hundreds of miles away can create hazardous conditions for days or weeks. Industrial accidents, volcanic eruptions, and severe pollution events also affect air quality. The response is similar regardless of cause.
Understanding Air Quality
Air Quality Index (AQI) is the standard measure of air quality. Higher numbers indicate worse air quality.
0 to 50 (Green): Good. No health concerns.
51 to 100 (Yellow): Moderate. Sensitive individuals may experience minor effects.
101 to 150 (Orange): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. People with respiratory or heart conditions, elderly, and children should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.
151 to 200 (Red): Unhealthy. Everyone may experience health effects. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.
201 to 300 (Purple): Very Unhealthy. Health alert for everyone. Avoid outdoor activities.
301+ (Maroon): Hazardous. Emergency conditions. Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion.
PM2.5 is the key pollutant in smoke. These fine particles penetrate deep into lungs and can enter the bloodstream. Health effects range from irritation to serious cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
Protective Actions
Stay indoors during poor air quality. Close windows and doors. Turn off whole-house fans that draw in outside air. Set HVAC to recirculate rather than fresh air intake.
Air filtration improves indoor air quality. HVAC filters rated MERV 13 or higher capture smoke particles. Portable HEPA air purifiers are highly effective. Create a "clean room" with filtered air if whole-house filtration is not possible.
DIY air filters can be made from box fans and furnace filters. This is not as effective as purpose-built purifiers but provides significant improvement. Tape a MERV 13 filter to the back of a box fan.
N95 or P100 respirators filter smoke particles when properly fitted. Surgical masks and cloth masks provide minimal protection against smoke. Ensure masks seal around face without gaps.
Reduce indoor pollution sources during air quality events. Avoid smoking, burning candles, using gas stoves, or vacuuming (which stirs up particles).
Health Considerations
Vulnerable populations face greatest risk: people with heart or lung disease, asthma, elderly, children, and pregnant women. These groups should take protective action at lower AQI levels than healthy adults.
Symptoms of smoke exposure: Coughing, throat irritation, eye irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue. If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical attention.
When to seek medical care: Difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe coughing, or worsening of existing conditions warrant medical evaluation.
Medications: People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should have medications readily available and follow their action plans. Consult healthcare providers about preparation.
Extended Air Quality Events
Some air quality crises last days or weeks. Extended exposure requires sustained protective measures.
Maintain indoor air quality continuously. Run air purifiers 24/7. Replace filters as needed (they clog faster during smoke events). Monitor indoor air if you have sensors.
Limit outdoor exposure to essential activities. When you must go out, wear proper respiratory protection and limit time.
Consider temporary relocation if your home cannot be adequately filtered or if household members are in high-risk groups. Hotels with good HVAC or friends/family in unaffected areas may provide cleaner air.
Monitor conditions for improvement. Air quality can change quickly with weather patterns. Know when conditions allow normal activity to resume.
Air Quality Preparedness Checklist
- AQI monitoring app or website bookmarked
- N95 or P100 respirator masks stocked
- HEPA air purifier (or materials for DIY)
- High-rated HVAC filters (MERV 13+)
- Weather stripping to seal doors/windows
- Indoor air quality monitor (optional)
- Medications for respiratory conditions available
- Plan for vulnerable household members
- Relocation options identified if needed
Recommended Gear
- N95 Respirator Masks
Effective filtration of smoke particles. Stock multiple per family member.
- HEPA Air Purifier
Cleans indoor air effectively. Size for your space.
- MERV 13 HVAC Filters
Upgrades whole-house filtration for smoke.
- Air Quality Monitor
Measures indoor particle levels. Helps assess protection effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exercise during poor air quality?
Avoid outdoor exercise when AQI exceeds 150. At moderate levels, reduce intensity. Exercise indoors with filtered air during poor conditions.
Do surgical masks protect from smoke?
Minimally. Surgical masks are not designed to filter fine particles. N95 masks properly fitted provide much better protection.
How long do air quality events last?
Varies from hours to weeks. Wildfire smoke events can persist for extended periods depending on fire activity and weather patterns.
Is my AC filtering smoke?
Standard AC filters (MERV 6 to 8) do not effectively filter smoke. Upgrade to MERV 13 or higher for smoke filtration.
Should I leave if air quality is very poor?
If you cannot adequately filter indoor air or have vulnerable household members, temporary relocation to cleaner air areas is reasonable.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general educational information. For medical concerns or severe symptoms, consult healthcare providers. Follow official air quality guidance from health authorities.