Monitoring Air Quality
The first step in protection is awareness:
- Check the AQI daily before outdoor activities
- Sign up for air quality alerts in your area
- Monitor forecasts, especially during wildfire season
- Pay attention to local air quality patterns
Outdoor Protection
When Air Quality is Moderate to Unhealthy (AQI 51-200)
- Limit prolonged outdoor exertion
- Exercise early morning or evening when ozone is lower
- Choose activities farther from busy roads
- Take frequent breaks during outdoor activities
When Air Quality is Very Unhealthy or Hazardous (AQI 201+)
- Avoid outdoor physical activity
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
- Wear an N95 or KN95 mask if you must go outside
- Reschedule outdoor activities
Indoor Air Quality
Your indoor air quality matters too:
Air Purification
- Use HEPA air purifiers in main living areas and bedrooms
- Ensure purifiers are sized appropriately for the room
- Run purifiers continuously during poor air quality episodes
- Replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations
Ventilation Management
- Keep windows closed when outdoor air quality is poor
- Use air conditioning with recirculation mode
- Upgrade HVAC filters to MERV-13 or higher
- Ventilate indoor spaces when outdoor air quality is good
Source Control
- Don't smoke indoors
- Minimize use of wood-burning fireplaces
- Avoid burning candles or incense during poor air quality
- Use exhaust fans when cooking
- Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals
Personal Protection Equipment
Masks
Not all masks protect against air pollution:
- N95 and KN95 masks: Highly effective against PM2.5 and other particles
- Surgical masks: Provide minimal protection
- Cloth masks: Ineffective for air pollution
- Proper fit is crucial: Seal around nose and face for effectiveness
Creating a Clean Room
For extreme pollution events, designate a "clean room":
- Choose a room with few windows and doors
- Run one or more HEPA purifiers
- Keep the door closed
- Seal gaps around doors and windows
- Spend most of your time in this room during severe pollution
Special Considerations for Sensitive Groups
If you're in a sensitive group, take extra precautions:
- Consult your doctor about an asthma action plan
- Keep rescue medications readily available
- Consider relocating during extended poor air quality periods
- Work with your employer about working from home during poor air quality