Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging residents in the Great Lakes region to prepare for potential wildfire smoke exposure this summer. The EPA advises staying informed about local air quality and implementing plans to reduce exposure to protect health.
“Although big wildfires may be hundreds-- if not thousands-- of miles away, recent years have taught us that we need to be ready for severe smoke in the Great Lakes region,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “Knowing what you can do to reduce smoke exposure helps families breathe easier and stay healthy.”
Summer wildfires in the United States and Canada are becoming more frequent and intense. Last summer, Canada experienced a record number of wildfires, producing smoke that led to unhealthy air quality and widespread health advisories across the Great Lakes region and the United States.
To safeguard against smoke and air pollution during a wildfire, residents can take several steps:
- If you lack an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay indoors with closed windows, seek shelter at friends' or relatives' homes or public buildings with air conditioning such as movie theaters, malls, libraries, or clean air shelters.
- Keep a supply of N95 or P100 respirators for outdoor use when air quality is unhealthy. These respirators can help prevent inhalation of soot and fine particles in smoke.
- Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner (avoiding technologies that generate ozone) or making a DIY air cleaner.
- Learn how to adjust HVAC systems or air conditioners to keep out smoke and consider buying high-efficiency HVAC filters like MERV-13.
- Replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations, typically every 60-90 days or earlier if heavily soiled.
- Ensure children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with asthma or other lung or heart conditions have at least five days’ worth of medication and food on hand.
- People with asthma or other lung/heart conditions should develop medical action plans in consultation with healthcare providers along with evacuation plans if heavy smoke persists.
The EPA offers free resources for monitoring real-time air quality conditions through its AirNow Fire and Smoke map which provides information on fire locations, smoke plumes, near real-time air quality data, and protective actions. Air quality alerts can be accessed via EnviroFlashExit EPA’s website, the AirNow websiteExit EPA’s website ,and the AirNow app. State-specific information is also available through state websites and social media accounts.
Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks by deteriorating air quality rapidly; it is particularly harmful for children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung diseases. Fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke is especially concerning as it can irritate eyes and respiratory systems while worsening chronic cardiovascular disease symptoms as well as respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma.
Given these risks affect everyone’s health; the EPA encourages modifying outdoor activities accordingly while protecting indoor air quality too. Individuals can contribute by driving less, reducing energy usage avoiding vehicle idling outside fires this summer.
Additional tools information are available on EPA’s website including Air Quality Alerts from EnviroFlashExit EPAs’ website ,AirNow ,and AirNow Fire Smoke Map .
