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How to Protect Your Family from the Health Effects of Smoke

-Pay attention to local air quality reports and stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke.

-Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn or go for a run. And it's probably not a good time for your children to play outdoors.

-If you are advised to stay indoors, take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep your windows and doors closed — unless it's extremely hot outside.

-Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast for your area. The links to this information are on the left menu bar of the this page. The AQI, based on data from local air quality monitors, tells you about the daily air quality in your area and recommends precautions you can take to protect your health. As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air changes — and so do the steps you should take to protect yourself.

-Run your air conditioner, if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.

-Help keep particle levels inside lower. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves — and even candles! Don’t vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home. And don't smoke. That puts even more pollution in your lungs, and in the lungs of people around you.If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

-If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area. When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them.

Health Effects of Smoke

Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burn. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles.

Fire and Weather Information

National Interagency Fire Center - News
GEOMAC Wildland Fire Support
US Forest Service - Large Fire Incidents
US Forest Service Northern California Predictive Services
California Dept. of Forestry - Major Incidents
Northern California Coordination Center
Southern California Coordination Center
AirNow Air Quality Forecasts

Be Prepared

Firewise - A Resource for Homeowners
What to do Before, During and After a Wildfire (PDF)
Wildfire Smoke Guide for Public Health Officials (PDF)

Air Quality and Smoke Impacts

AirNow Smoke Events Page
National Fire Plan
EPA's Smoke From Fires & Health Brochure
CalEPA - Smoke Management Program

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CAPCOA Public Outreach Committee

The Smoke Impact Web Page originated in October, 2003 from the Public Outreach Committee of the California Air Pollution Control Officer's Association in response to the widespread health impacts of smoke from the devastating Southern California wildfires.

The goal of this page is to provide links to important air quality, weather, health and fire status information in a single, convenient location.

Health Effects of Smoke (cont.)

These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis.

Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases – and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.

If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma, you may experience health effects earlier and at lower smoke levels than healthy people.

Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people.

Children also are more susceptible to smoke for several reasons: their respiratory systems are still developing; they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults; and they're more likely to be active outdoors. (Information provided by U.S. EPA)