Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke and Air Pollution

Understanding Wildfire Smoke Impacts

• 🔥 Wildfires in Canada are emitting particulates and reactive gases into the atmosphere.
• ⚠️ These pollutants are traveling into the US, significantly impacting air quality in regions like the Midwest, Northeast, and Great Lakes.
• 🩺 Exposure to hazardous air, whether short-term or long-term, can be correlated with increased mortality and lead to cardiopulmonary disease due to chronic inflammation in the lungs.

Monitoring Outdoor Air Quality

• 💻 The EPA's Air Now network is a valuable resource for understanding outdoor air pollution threats across wide areas.
• 🔬 PurpleAir offers a citizen science approach to air quality monitoring, providing additional data points.
• 🏠 For real-time, localized measurements, consider using low-cost air quality sensors to monitor conditions inside and immediately outside your home.