Salt Lake County Government: Tips For Improving Home Air Quality During Wildfires

Press release from the Salt Lake County Government:

August 6, 2021

With wildfire smoke recently becoming more of a concern as fires burn in several western states, the Salt Lake County Health Department’s air quality experts warn that even if you are not in immediate proximity to a fire, smoke imported by weather systems can still be a significant health concern—especially for people with underlying health conditions.

Smoke can enter a home through natural ways like open doors or windows, mechanical ways such as an HVAC system, or through infiltration of cracks or small openings in the structure.

The following tips are based on EPA guidelines and can vary based on your location relative to a fire, but they are generally among the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality in your home—and help protect your health—when outdoor air quality is poor due to wildfire smoke.

Reducing overall exposure to smoke during wildfires is the best thing you can do to protect your lung health. This is especially important for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly or if you have a preexisting heart or lung condition. For more information, visit epa.gov/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires.

This press release was produced by the Salt Lake County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.