Strategies to Safeguard Your Wellbeing amid Deteriorating Air Quality Conditions:
Get ready for the smoke bomb that's hitting the States, y'all! Over a hundred Canadian wildfires are blowing smoke southwards, reaching as far as Georgia. The Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast regions are taking the smoky brunt, with air quality dropping like a stone. To avoid becoming a coughing, choking mess, heed the advice of Syracuse University's very own Ian Shapiro, professor and associate director of building science and community programs. Here's his lowdown on how to keep the air inside your pad fresh and your lungs healthy:
- Crack open the ol' HEPA air cleaner or splurge on a high-efficiency furnace filter. When the smoke sets in, you won't regret having a HEPA air cleaner ready or a higher-efficiency furnace filter at the ready. Pop one on and let it work its magic.
- Flip that fan switch to ‘On’ and make your air system work overtime. If your crib is decked out with a forced-air heating or cooling system, make sure to set the fan to "On" instead of "Auto". This will cause the system to constantly push air through the filter, trapping those pesky particulate stones. Fancy filter? Perfect. Stick with a standard filter then? At least bump it up to a MERV 11 filter.
- Keep those windows and doors sealed tight, like Fort Knox. When the smoke is rolling in, keep the outdoors where it belongs – outside. Seal up windows and doors, because dayum, you don't wanna take a lungful of smoky air.
- Hold fire on those exhaust fans, smoke won't wait. During smoke events, living without those bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can be a challenge, but rough it out. Limit their use to keep the intake of contaminated air to a minimum.
- Slap on a badass mask when you step outdoors like you're a dust storm bandit. When you gotta venture outside, armor up with a mask that fits like a glove to help filter out those airborne smoke particles.
The Syracuse University Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems, run by Jianshun "Jensen" Zhang, is monitoring air quality downtown Syracuse and doling out science-based guidance to keep you breathing smoothly.
Reach out to Daryl Lovell, the Associate Director of Media Relations, if you want to learn more or book an interview with the one and only Ian Shapiro. He can be reached at 315.380.0206 or [email protected], so don't be a stranger!
PS: Experts have been preaching recommendations similar to Shapiro's for protecting health during wildfire smoke events. Check out the pro tips from other experts:
- Wear a mask! Wear high-quality, well-fitting masks outdoors to filter those smoky particles.
- Air purifiers are your new BFF. Running portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters can significantly reduce airborne particulate concentrations within minutes.
- Seal up your house. Closing windows and doors, and limiting the use of exhaust fans can prevent outdoor smoke from entering homes.
- Create a safe haven. If possible, seal a room or space and run an air purifier to eliminate breathing in volatile organic compounds found in smoke.
Smoke events can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other health concerns, so make sure you stay smart, stay safe, and keep breathing fresh!
- To ensure health-and-wellness during wildfire smoke events, consider investing in environmental-science solutions like high-efficiency air purifiers with HEPA filters.
- In the face of climate-change consequences such as wildfires, practicing fitness-and-exercise precautions like wearing masks when outdoors and sealing houses can minimize health risks.
- Nutrition plays a role even in complex scenarios like wildfires; ensure your body gets proper nourishment to help combat the effects of smoke and maintain overall health.
