While wildfire season affects all geographies differently, it's important to learn how to safeguard your indoor spaces — even if you're not at risk for evacuation. Managing your indoor air quality helps to promote good health as well as comfort. Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds (even thousands) of miles, meaning renters and homeowners alike should take proactive steps to reduce the infiltration of smoke particles and indoor air pollution. To reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, you must consider the best methods for maintaining a healthy climate indoors.
Seal Your House and Treat the Air
"Keeping windows and doors closed is a quick and easy way to help preserve indoor air quality. However, to help clean the air inside your home — which we often need to do — I recommend continuously running your HVAC fan to filter the air inside equipped with a higher-performing air filter, and changing your filters regularly to provide cleaner, fresher air," shares Dr. Nikki Vars McCullough, Respiratory Expert, 3M’s Personal Safety Division.
She adds, "When buying a filter, look for the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) or MPR (microparticle rating) rating listed on the packaging. The higher the rating, the more micron-sized particles your filter will capture from the air passing through it. Look for at least a MERV 13 or MPR 1900 or higher, such as a 3M Filtrete™ MPR 1900."
Marlon Robinson, Director of Operations at CerroZone, challenges consumers to think beyond traditional HVAC or purifiers. A system that appears to be the next generation of air purification doesn't just trap airborne pathogens — it destroys them. "[The company's patented oxidation technology] uses UV-C lamps with ultraviolet light to convert oxygen in the air (02) to ozone (03)," he explains. "The newly created ozone destroys any microorganisms flowing through the device. The ozone is then converted back into oxygen, which is then reintroduced into the room as clean, fresh air. Virtually no ozone escapes the unit. In fact, testing proves that ozone levels leaving the unit are lower than levels in the ambient room air."
Make the Most of Portable Air Cleaners
If you're a renter and can't manage the HVAC in your multi-family building, add air purifiers to your space.
"If you don’t have a central air conditioning system, invest in a good air purifier. I live in a house without a central HVAC system, so we have 3M room air purifiers in almost every room of the house," notes Dr. Vars McCullough. "An alternative to buying a good air purifier is making a DIY air purifier. Instructions are available for making them out of a box fan, MPR 1900/MERV 13 air filters, cardboard, and duct tape."
CerroZone's lineup includes a mini size (up to 200CFM,), and mobile size (up to 310 CFM). They've received a 510(k) Class II clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Leverage Smart Technology
"Smart apps and devices have also become more and more a part of how we function in the home. There are now apps for your phone like the Filtrete™ Smart App that track outdoor air quality over time and alerts you when your air quality in your area is poor, removing the guesswork," highlights Dr. Vars McCullough. During wildfire smoke events, use this smart home technology to gauge safety for outdoor activities, monitor smoke levels, and manage the effectiveness of your high-efficiency filter.
Limit Indoor Pollutants
We introduce a variety of air pollutants inside our homes every day, but cutting back can help reduce air pollutants — especially during wildfire season when you can't open the windows as easily. Avoid activities like smoking inside, burning candles, or using aerosol products, as these can introduce additional pollutants into your home. Opt for natural cleaning products instead of chemical ones whenever possible. Cooking indoors can also release particulates into the air, so use exhaust fans or consider grilling outside.
