For those with respiratory sensitivities, the fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke presents a serious health threat, and it doesn’t only come from fires in your area – wildfire air pollution can extend hundreds of miles beyond the flames themselves.
Wildfire smoke is a mix of gasses and fine particulate matter from burning vegetation and other materials.
According to the CDC, there are a few precautions you can take for proper protection against wildfire smoke.
Use a portable air cleaner (also known as an air purifier) with a HEPA filter to keep air in specific rooms as clean as possible.
Medium Room Air Purifier For Smoke: PuroAir 240 HEPA Air Purifier Price: $159, was $199 at Amazon Filter Type: HEPA & Carbon | Effective Range: 284 sq.
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This is not the first year that Canadian wildfires have affected parts of the United States; record-high ratings of unhealthy conditions and poor air quality have been caused by the billowing waves of smoke from the fires. More than 42 million acres burned during one of Canada’s worst wildfire seasons in 2023, turning the New York skyline orange and degrading the air quality in places like Detroit and Washington, DC.
Smoke from wildfires is spreading as far south as the Gulf Coast states, which will affect visibility and air quality, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children.
The EPA says that warmer springs, longer summer dry seasons, drier soil, and climate change are all contributing to an earlier and longer wildfire season. What was formerly a regional issue has become a national health emergency due to the startling increase in wildfire activity over the last ten years.
Having the appropriate protective gear is crucial as wildfire incidents increase in frequency and severity. Investing in a few essential items, such as air purification systems and appropriately fitted N95 respirators, can help protect your respiratory health during what experts anticipate to be another difficult wildfire season.
Why do wildfires spread?
The three primary meteorological factors that fire weather primarily depends on to spread wildfires are wind, temperature, and relative humidity. Relative humidity (RH), which is a percentage that indicates the amount of water vapor in the air at a specific temperature, was covered in our Dehumidifier Guide. Land and vegetation lose moisture to the air when the relative humidity is low.
Because warmer nighttime temperatures reduce overnight relative humidity, hotter temperatures will also contribute to fire weather. How can a fire burn without oxygen? Wind also causes evaporation and drier land, and it can carry embers that can spread fires quickly.
The effects of wildfire smoke on the body.
While over 28 million Americans suffer from asthma, a chronic illness that causes swelling and inflammation in the airways, breathing difficulties, coughing, and pain, more than 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, food and skin allergies, and allergic asthma.
The fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke poses a major health risk to people with respiratory sensitivities, and the pollution can spread hundreds of miles beyond the actual fires.
A mixture of gases and fine particulate matter from burning vegetation and other materials make up wildfire smoke. These tiny particles, known as PM10, can enter the lungs through inhalation, while PM2.5 particles, which are smaller than the average human hair and measure 2 to 5 microns, can enter the bloodstream and travel deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and possibly long-term health issues. These environmental pollutants combine with seasonal pollen, which has been exacerbated by climate change due to longer growing seasons, to create an ideal environment for respiratory distress.
How to lessen symptoms of exposure to wildfires.
Short-term exposure to wildfires can result in respiratory distress, including coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, bronchitis, and an elevated risk of asthma. If exposed over a period of days or weeks, lung function may even be compromised.
You can take a few steps to ensure that you are properly protected from wildfire smoke, according to the CDC.
Observe your community’s air quality and, if there are any warnings, try to stay indoors as much as you can. For local air quality checks, you can use Airnow.gov and the Weather Channel app.
To keep the air in particular rooms as clean as possible, use a portable air cleaner (also called an air purifier) equipped with a HEPA filter. Candles, incense, and wood should not be burned indoors.
Use a mask or respirator with the words NIOSH, N95, or P100 printed on it if you must go outside.
Top Products for Keeping Wildfires Safe.
Wearing the appropriate safety mask during a wildfire event can help prevent lung irritation if you must brave the outdoors. A certain amount of “leakiness” will occur in homes during wildfire and allergy seasons due to opening doors or using portable air conditioners that draw in air from the outside, so even staying inside is not always a guarantee. Here are some items to help keep you safe during the wildfire season.
1. . 10 pieces of the AccuMed BNX N95 mask.
At Amazon, it costs $14.999.
Features:.
As per the company page, the N95 mask is certified to provide protection against 95 percent of non-oil-based particles that are 0point 3 microns or larger.
filtration in five layers.
non-latex headband straps.
2. . Ten N95 Mask Particulate Respirators with NIOSH Approval.
Cost: $11 points, but on Amazon, it was $14 points.
Features:.
According to the company website, the N95 mask respirator is approved by NIOSH and certified for at least 95% particulate filtration efficiency.
Four layers of filters.
inner foam nosepiece, 3D nose clip design.
two head straps with elastic.
3. Foldable, 3M 9205+ N95 Aura Particulate Respirator (10-Pack).
Cost: $22 at The Home Depot.
The company claims a 95 percent filtration efficiency against specific non-oil-based particles.
low-profile, three-panel system.
reduces fogging of eyewear by diverting exhaled air away from the nose panel.
Individual packaging, soft interior materials, and an adjustable nose clip.
KN95 Mask Selections.
Keep in mind that KN95 masks are not the same as N95 masks when you are looking for mask options. Although N95 masks are typically the best defense against airborne particles (and are perfect for industrial and healthcare workers), they are uncomfortable and need to fit snugly.
KN95 masks, on the other hand, will have a different type of certification and might permit some leakage. For particulate protection, both still need multiple layers of synthetic material.
4. . Children’s KN95 Face Masks (30 pieces).
The cost is $13.99 on Amazon.
Features:.
Filter fabric in five layers.
Features include an adjustable nose clip, elastic ear loops, and center stitching with a folding design.
The majority of children aged 4-14 fit into youth size.
5. . 50-piece LEMENT KN95 face mask.
Originally priced at $29.99 on Amazon, it is now $19.99.
Features:.
five filter fabric layers.
nose clip with adjustment and ear loops.
portable and foldable.
Air purifiers for smoke from wildfires.
See our comprehensive coverage of air purifier options for more details on how air purifiers operate, including computations of room size, filtration options (a HEPA filter is highly recommended), and more.
An Introduction To Air Purifiers: Their Operation And Our Best Choices.
2025’s Top Pollen Air Purifiers.
6. BLUEAIR 511i Max Smoke-Reduction Small Room Air Purifier.
Blueair.com sold a two-piece bundle for $237.98, while Amazon sold it for $139.99.
Type of Filter: HEPA and Carbon | Effective Area: 193 square feet | Smoke CADR: 125 cubic feet per minute.
Features:.
Three-in-one filtering system: activated carbon, HEPA, and pre-filter.
Night mode turns off lights, and auto mode is based on air quality.
Multiple fan speeds and a connector for the manual mode.
WiFi signal.
Filter tracking, app scheduling, and air quality monitoring.
6. PuroAir 240 is a medium-sized HEPA air purifier for smoke.
Price: $159; Amazon had it for $199.
Type of Filter: Carbon & HEPA | Effective Area: 284 square feet | Smoke CADR: 183.
Features:.
Three-in-one filtration system: activated carbon, HEPA, and pre-filter screen.
One, two, four, and eight-hour timer options are available.
According to the company page, it targets smoke, odors, dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Three fan speeds, auto, and sleep modes.
Smart particle sensor and air quality indicator light.
Energy Star Certified.
7. The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier is a large room air purifier for smoke.
The price was $206.99, but it was $229.99 on Amazon (white).
Type of Filter: HEPA & Carbon | Smoke CADR: 233 | Effective Range: 361 sq\. ft\..
Features:.
True HEPA, ionizer, deodorization, and pre-filter are the four stages of filtration.
Auto, eco, and three fan speeds are available.
Air quality indicator, filter replacement indicator, and timer.
CARB and Energy Star certified.
Accurate price and item availability at the time of publication.
