Wildfires can cause heavy smoke that can be harmful, especially to children and those with compromised immune systems.
To get up-to-date air quality information, visit www.airnow.gov. Local air quality information is provided from state monitors located at the Boulder Reservoir, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, and the Civic Building in Longmont.
Health Impacts from Wildfire Smoke
The health impacts of wildfire smoke depend on several factors, including what’s in the smoke, the length and intensity of exposure, and individual health history and lifestyle factors.
Breathing in wildfire smoke can:
- Irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Cause wheezing, coughing, headaches and difficulty breathing.
- Worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases.
- Increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and premature death.
See a health care provider if symptoms worsen persistently or disrupt daily activities.
High-Risk Populations
Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some groups are at higher risk:
- People with health conditions like asthma, lung disease, and heart disease.
- Children and older adults.
- Pregnant people.
- People who spend a lot of time outside.
- Households without air conditioning.
Reduce Exposure
Limit Outdoor Activity
- Stay indoors when possible, especially for children and other higher-risk groups.
- Use an N95 respirator outdoors.
- Other kinds of masks, such as cloth, surgical, or paint masks, do not prevent breathing in smoke.
- People with heart or lung conditions should check with a doctor before wearing a respirator.
- Reduce smoke in your vehicle by closing windows and vents and running fans in recirculating mode.
- Smoke can be worse at night. If you need to go out, take extra precautions and close the windows indoors.
Protect Indoor Air Quality
- Create a clean space in your home by closing windows and doors and using fans to stay cool.
- Reduce fine particle levels in your home using the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Run the fan continuously, close the outdoor air intake, or use recirculate mode. Use your system’s highest Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filter if possible. A filter rated MERV 13 or higher is best to effectively reduce fine particle pollution in indoor air.
- Consider using a correctly sized portable air cleaner with a high-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter or making a filter fan.
- Avoid running swamp coolers or whole-house fans.
- Avoid activities that increase indoor air pollution, such as burning candles, smoking, vaping, or using a stove or fireplace.
- Keep rooms clean by damp mopping or dusting.
If your home lacks air conditioning and you cannot maintain a cool and clean indoor environment, consider seeking alternative shelters with filtered air. Places like malls, movie theaters, community centers, and public libraries throughout the county can provide relief.
Additionally, if indoor temperatures become excessively hot and anyone experiences symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heavy sweating, cold or clammy skin, fast or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, or general weakness, it is important to find cooler shelter and seek medical assistance immediately.
For more information on air quality, please visit boco.org/FireAirQuality.