Air Quality_Content Page_Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Impacts

Larger and more frequent wildfires are a growing public health concern, as wildfire smoke from larger fires can travel and impact air quality hundreds or even thousands of miles away and cause a wide range of health impacts based on a person’s sensitivity to pollutants and the amount of pollutants in the air. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the main pollutant of concern from wildfire smoke. The DNR’s Air Management Program and tribal partners monitor PM2.5 concentrations year-round at 18 sites across Wisconsin.

Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution

The particles from wildfire smoke can cause a variety of symptoms from mild eye and throat irritation to more severe heart and lung concerns. These particles, called PM2.5, are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, which can affect the heart and lung functions. This can be especially dangerous for children, the elderly, pregnant women and people who have heart or respiratory conditions. People in these sensitive groups should consider limiting outdoor activities and avoiding heavy exertion when the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 reaches the orange “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” level. Symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath are signs to take a break or go inside, away from the pollutants.

A designed graphic from the Wisconsin DNR that serves as a Guide To Air Quality Index (AQI). Text on the image reads: What is today’s AQI? What Actions Should You Take? The image also includes a breakdown of all of the levels including: Good (AQI 0-50 – Everyone: Don’t see or smell smoke? It’s a good time to open windows or go outdoors.), Moderate (AQI 51-100 – Everyone: Don’t see or smell smoke? It’s okay to open windows or go outdoors; Unusually Sensitive People: Keep outdoor activities light and short; g

View the AQI guide for particle pollution from EPA which provides ways to protect your health when particle pollution reaches elevated levels.

For more information on the federal particle pollution standard, review the EPA’s Final Updates to the Air Quality Index for Particulate Matter Fact Sheet and Common Questions document.

Graphic showing nine ways to protect yourself from smoke, including monitoring air quality, closing windows and doors, using N95 masks, using a CARB-certified air cleaner, monitoring your health or any symptoms, avoid activities that can increase indoor pollution like vacuuming, using gas-powered appliances or frying food, run your air conditioning on recirculate with a new filter, and create a do-it-yourself air purifier.

Stay Up-to-Date on Air Quality Conditions

  • View near real-time air quality conditions from the DNR’s statewide air monitoring network.
  • Download the free WisconsinAQM mobile app to receive air quality updates from anywhere using a mobile device. Download in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
  • View current wildfire and smoke conditions across North America with the AirNow Fire and Smoke map.
  • Sign up to receive air quality advisory notices to your email inbox or via text.
  • Follow @WDNR on Twitter. All Air Quality Advisories are tweeted when they are issued.

Protect Yourself

The best way to prevent breathing particles from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors.

  • Close windows and doors.
  • Run A/C on recirculate with a new high-efficiency filter.
  • Keep indoor air clean by
    • Avoiding activities that increase indoor air pollution, such as vacuuming, burning candles, frying foods or using gas appliances.
    • Reducing airborne dust by using a damp cloth to dust the home and trap the particles on rather than a dry cloth or duster that might make them airborne again.
  • Use an indoor air purifier.
  • Cancel outdoor events or move them indoors, especially for children.
  • Create a DIY Temporary Air Filter.
    A graphic showing steps on how to create a do it yourself temporary air purifier. Materials needed include a 20x20 inch air filter, with a MERV rating of 13 or higher, duct tape, and a 20x20 inch box fan, 2012 model or newer. For assembly, step one – duct tape the air filter to the back of the box fan; step two – check the filter for the direction of the air flow, marked on the sides of the air filter; step three – replace the air filter when needed.

If you must go outdoors during wildfire smoke events, be sure to:

  • Check air quality conditions before leaving the house and throughout the day.
  • Avoid or limit exercising outdoors.
  • Wear an N-95 mask.
  • OSHA has a comprehensive website with safety tips and resources to help employers and workers reduce their exposure to smoke during wildfires.
  • The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers resources for outdoor workers exposed to wildfire smoke.