With wildfire season underway in many parts of the country, we take a look at some of the most recent findings and what you can do to stay safe this wildfire season.
Staying indoors during wildfire season may not be as safe as you think
Smoke from wildfires forces local residents to stay indoors with the windows and doors tightly shut. But are people actually safe? Preliminary findings from Oregon State University say no. They found the air inside had higher levels of cancer-causing chemicals known as PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) than the air outside.
According to lead author Kim Anderson “People think air inside their house is perfectly clean, and that if we close all the windows when it is smoky outside there will be zero contaminants inside. That’s just not true.”
Where do PAH’s come from?
PAH’s are generated in a variety of ways, including cooking, lighting a candle and smoking. In normal circumstances they gradually escape through open windows and doors. But when the air is filled with smoke outside, this doesn’t happen.
“When there isn’t much of an exchange of indoor and outdoor air, PAHs released off the meal you cooked three weeks ago are still in your house.” Anderson said.
And its not just pollutants from cooking that impact air quality. Personal care products, cleaning products, furnishings and flooring can all create a build up of chemicals and VOC’s in your home.
Smoke from wildfires increases risk of cardiac arrest by 70%
Anyone living in an area affected by wildfires will be familiar with the effects of smoke, sore throat, burning eyes and wheezing. But a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, shows exposure to smoke from wildfires can also increase a person’s chances of suffering a fatal or near-fatal cardiac arrest by 70%.
Protection for you and your family this wildfire season.
Whether its directly or indirectly, smoke from wildfires has a major impact on our health. If you live in an area affected by wildfires, you may want to consider installing an air purifier.
The Austin Air HealthMate Plus is the number one choice for people affected by smoke from wildfires. The unique blend of Activated Carbon, Potassium Iodide Impregnated Carbon and Zeolite used in the HealthMate Plus, removes the widest range of chemicals, including benzenes, VOC’s and formaldehyde. For more info on the Austin Air HealthMate Plus and what it can do for you this wildfire season, click on this link.
