10 Essential Tips to Safeguard Your Health from Smoke and Smog During Forest Fires

Recently, Baguio City and its surrounding areas have been grappling with a series of forest fires, leading to a significant decline in air quality. As smog and haze envelop the City of Pines—a place not accustomed to such environmental challenges—residents find themselves seeking guidance on how to cope. The unusual occurrence has left many experiencing breathing difficulties and concerned for their health. To address this, we’ve compiled a comprehensive yet succinct guide offering practical strategies to minimize, if not completely mitigate, the impact of smog on our lungs and overall well-being.

1. Stay Informed

Monitor Air Quality Index (AQI): Use local environmental agencies’ websites or mobile apps to keep track of the AQI in your area. This will help you understand the level of air pollution and plan your activities accordingly.

2. Limit Outdoor Activities

Reduce Exposure: Limit time spent outdoors, especially during times when the AQI indicates unhealthy levels. This is particularly important for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Exercise Indoors: Shift your physical activities indoors to reduce inhalation of polluted air.

3. Use Air Purifiers

Invest in HEPA Filters: Use air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in your home to remove harmful particles from indoor air. Ensure that the purifier is adequate for the size of the room.

4. Maintain Indoor Air Quality

Keep Windows and Doors Closed: To prevent outdoor smoke from entering, keep your windows and doors closed, especially during high pollution days.
Use Air Conditioning: Use air conditioners on the recirculation setting to cool and clean the air inside your home.

5. Wear Protective Masks

Select Proper Masks: Wear N95 or P100 respirator masks when you need to go outdoors. These masks can filter out the majority of harmful particles in smoke.

6. Stay Hydrated

Increase Fluid Intake: Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out any toxins that may enter your body through the polluted air.

7. Create a Clean Room

Designate a Purified Space: If air pollution levels are extremely high, create a “clean room” in your home where you use an air purifier to maintain the highest possible air quality.

8. Seal Gaps

Prevent Smoke Infiltration: Use weather stripping or towel rolls to seal gaps around doors and windows to further prevent smoke from entering your home.

9. Follow Health Advisories

Adhere to Public Guidance: Pay attention to local health advisories and recommendations, especially regarding evacuation orders in the event of nearby forest fires.

10. Seek Medical Advice

Consult Healthcare Providers: If you experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or any other health issues that could be related to air quality, seek medical advice promptly.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants during smog or haze events caused by forest fires. Remember, personal safety and health should always take precedence during such environmental crises.

Sources: Center for Disease Control
California Air Resource Board