The Dangers of Smoke

Smoke can be a major contributor to allergies and respiratory illnesses. Particles of ash in the air along with the fumes from a fire can cause serious harm to the throat and lungs. Wildfires are an unavoidable cause of these irritants. If you suffer from asthma or other allergies, being near wildfires can pose a harmful risk. In areas where wildfires are most prevalent, such as California, there are about 100 times more particles in the air than anywhere else in almost the whole world.

To control the health of people, heath officials have created a list of ways that smoke exposure can be lessened. The most effective way of dealing with the smoke is to stay inside during peak wildfire times and to keep doors and windows closed at all times. It is also important to use a HEPA air purifier to keep smoke trapped and away from people. However, this will not stop all smoke exposure. The information in this article will help further combat the dangers of smoke exposure. All of the following suggestions will enable the best smoke protection.

Create a better seal around unused doors and windows by sealing them with duct tape. This is a great way to reduce the amount of smoke that can creep inside.
Vents leading to the attic from the outside can be covered with plastic.
Always use the air conditioner. Many units have a fan option that can be used when the temperature does not need to be lowered. This cycles the air and keeps smoke from lingering. Use a pleated air filter to capture smoke and other fine particles.
Do not run a fan that pulls air in from the outside. These are commonly found in bathrooms and in window units. Try to keep the inside air as free from smoke-filled air as possible.
Consider creating a “safe” area in one of the rooms of your home for people with severe allergies or asthma. Use a HEPA air purifier system to keep the air pure and healthy.
Make sure to avoid any ionized air purifiers as these can cause more problems than they solve. Ozone is created by these filters which usually causes the person with asthma or allergies to have even more breathing problems.
When going outside is unavoidable, try wearing a dust mask. The N-95 mask is a perfect choice. These masks can be purchased at almost any home improvement store. The price range for these masks varies depending on the level of filtration that they provide. In an emergency, using a wet cloth pressed against the face is a somewhat reliable filter against smoke particles.

Following these guidelines can reduce the dangers associated with breathing smoke. Make sure to purchase a high-quality air purifier to keep the air in your home clean and healthy. Clean Air Plus is a great resource for all kinds of reliable HEPA air purifiers.

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