In California and other U.S. western states, wildfires have become more frequent and intense, adversely impacting air quality and human health. Smoke from wildfires contains many toxins and irritants, including particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, which, due to their size, penetrate deep into the lungs and contribute to cardiopulmonary and respiratory illness. Many health agencies and departments suggest people stay indoors during wildfires to limit their exposure to these particles. But how healthy is the air indoors during a wildfire, and can it be improved?
Brett Singer and Rengie Chanare are leaders of Berkeley Lab’s Indoor Environment Group. The Indoor Environment Group, which is supported by the Department of Energy, is one of the nation’s leading research groups seeking to advance the health, productivity, and energy efficiency of the built environment.
Singer and Chan have worked with California homes, schools, and offices to improve air quality by ensuring adequate ventilation during normal operation and use of high-efficiency filters to reduce particles in indoor air, both during normal air pollution and especially during wildfires. Schools are a particular concern because rates of asthma are higher in children than in adults, and the particles can trigger asthma attacks.
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