Alert: Canadian Wildfires Pose US Health Risk

A sickly orange haze obscured views from Manhattan offices on June 7, 2023. A byproduct of Canadian wildfires, smoke has traveled the jet stream into several US states, diminishing air quality. In some eastern locations, it’s currently unsafe to work or recreate outdoors.

Please take a moment to read these important safety tips.

Stay indoors if possible

Poor air quality can lead to breathing difficulties and other health concerns. If you have employees who typically work outdoors, consider alternatives such as requiring respirators and reducing outdoor work hours. (Note: If employees do not have formal training in how to use a respirator, they will need alternative arrangements for this smoke event.)

Protect your home and business from smoke damage

Smoke typically enters buildings in three ways:

• Open doors and windows
• Infiltration through cracks and other openings
• Mechanical ventilation systems

To keep harmful contaminants at bay:

• Shut all doors and windows and keep them closed as much as possible
• Seal any gaps that may exist in windows, doors, attic louvers, window AC units, foundation vents, or other cracks to prevent smoke from entering the building (if there is a fireplace, close the flue)
• Activate your smoke emergency plan if you have one
• If you have a central HVAC system with a fresh air intake, turn it to “recirculate” mode; use high-efficiency HVAC filters (MERV 13 or higher, if available)
• Utilize portable air cleaners
• If you have an evaporative cooler, consider other cooling options such as fans or portable AC units
• For window AC units, close the outside air damper
• Create a clean room in your home or office; choose a room with no fireplace and as few windows and doors as possible; use a portable air cleaner in the room and avoid activities that add to indoor particle levels
• Keep vehicles and other high-value items indoors as much as possible
• Reduce activities that can decrease air quality such as smoking; using gas / propane stoves, aerosols, or copy machines; frying / broiling food; burning candles / incense; and vacuuming unless you have a HEPA filtration system
• Consider alternative water sources for drinking and bathing, as chemicals in smoke can contaminate water sources on a temporary basis

Safeguard your health while driving

• Run your car’s air conditioner in recirculate mode to reduce air intake from outside
• Slow down when driving in smoky conditions as visibility may be limited

Take these steps after the smoke clears

• Check the condition of your filters; they may need replacement
• Examine all areas, including concealed spaces (above suspended ceilings, attics) for sediment from the smoke on exposed insulation or building materials
• Inspect all HVAC equipment and do necessary repairs / cleaning to remove smoke remnants
• To clean smoke residue off your car exterior; wet your car then wash it with warm water, a soft mitt, towel, or sponge, and a car wash soap; start at the car roof and work your way down around the panels; rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft clean towel or chamois (car wax will also help protect the vehicle’s finish against deposits)
• Inspect and replace, as needed, the engine air filter, and have a professional inspect and replace the air cabin filter of your car; consider changing your windshield wipers as well
• To remove the smoke smell from inside your vehicle, run the air conditioner set on fresh or vent to draw clean outside air into the vehicle
• Develop a smoke emergency plan, if you don’t already have one, to be better prepared for the next event

Assess your health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoke exposure can cause a range of symptoms — from coughing, stinging eyes, runny nose, and a scratchy throat to headaches, a fast heartbeat, chest pains, and trouble breathing. If you or any of your employees experience these signs and symptoms in an area affected by Canadian wildfire smoke, it’s important to move indoors to an area with a filtered air system. If symptoms persist, please see a healthcare provider. 

For more health information, please review the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/smoke.html and https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/default.htm. To check the air quality index for your exact location, please visit: https://www.airnow.gov/.

Stay safe.

NOTE: As of May 31, 2023, 1,800 Canadian wildfires had burned over 2,728,769 hectares of land. Many fires are still burning, and due to jet streams, smoke and air contaminants have reached the US. Many people are finding it difficult to go outside for any duration of time.