How to protect yourself from poor air quality from Canada wildfire smoke: Masks, purifiers, health tips

Jan 14, 2024

A thick blanket of haze evelopes Upstate New York Wednesday, June 7, 2023 originating from wildfires raging in Canada. Authorities issues health advisories due to the smoke. N. Scott Trimble | [email protected]

The air quality in Central New York has reached the highest level of alert, classified as "hazardous," due to the influx of smoke originating from uncontrollable wildfires in Quebec.

The "hazardous" classification represents the most severe level on the EPA's air quality index. Individuals residing in hazardous areas are strongly advised to refrain from engaging in any physical activities outdoors. Additionally, "sensitive groups," including those with heart or lung ailments, older adults, children, and teenagers, are encouraged to stay indoors and limit their activity levels.

According to the CDC, "Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but people with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or heart disease, or who are pregnant and children and responders are especially at risk."

How can breathing in smoke affect you right now?

People in the surrounding areas may experience coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, asthma attacks, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, irritated sinuses, headaches, tiredness, chest pain, and fast heartbeat.

Tips for protecting your health

According to the CDC, respirators can help filter out smoke or ash before you breathe it in. This means that high-quality masks such as N95 and KN95 masks can help protect your health.

The level of tiny smoke particles in the air, called PM 2.5, has reached 402 in Central New York as of 10 a.m., according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Here is a selection of places to buy masks online right now:

AccuMed BNX N95

AccuMed BNX N95 - $14.44 (was $16.99). This N95 mask is certified to provide protection against 95% of non-oil-based particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. It is available in a Medium/Large size. The elastic bands of the mask are designed to be worn over the head, rather than over the ears.

N95 Medical Supplies - Recognized as a leading retailer of N95 masks, provides a vast range of options for both N95 and KN95 masks. They offer an extensive selection of masks in various shapes, sizes, and bulk quantities, including the N95 NIOSH ALG Soft Shell Mask 20 pack for $39.99.

Amazon - Amazon offers a convenient and expedient option to obtain masks, particularly for Prime members who can benefit from free and fast shipping. With a wide range of masks available on the platform, Amazon provides several options to choose from, like this LEVENIS KN95 Face Masks 50 Pack for $19.99.

Well Before - You can find a selection of N95 masks, with the majority priced at under $5 per mask. While some masks have individual pricing, most of them fall within this affordable range, including the KN95 Individually Wrapped mask for $1.04 each.

Walmart - Walmart, along with other prominent big box retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot, offers a considerable variety of face masks for customers to choose from.

An air purifier is a great way to remove air particles from getting into your home. Take a look at the best-rated air purifiers on the market:

LEVOIT Air Purifier - $99.99. Relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and other discomforts caused by airborne pollutants. The H13 True HEPA Filter, in combination with the Pre-Filter and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter, effectively captures 99.97% of airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns in size. This includes common irritants such as dust, smoke, pollen, and unpleasant odors.

Germ Guardian Air Purifier with HEPA - $79.10. This home air purifier is equipped with a genuine HEPA air filter, which effectively traps and removes up to 99.97% of harmful bacteria, dust particles, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens as tiny as 0.3 microns from the air.

Other tips

According to the CDC, in order to keep smoke from entering your home, choose a room you can close off from outside air and set up a portable air cleaner (air purifier) in this room to prevent smokiness in the rest of the building.

Continue to check air quality reports. It is also recommended to use AirNow, which is a document that shares key insights on how to protect yourself from harmful air.

Individuals can reduce the amount of smoke in their vehicles by keeping the windows and vents closed, and, if available, operating the air conditioning in "recirculate" mode.