Wildfires have become a growing concern in North America, bringing devastating consequences not just to forests and homes but also to public health. Among the most vulnerable to wildfire smoke exposure are children—especially those with asthma.
Studies have shown that wildfire smoke significantly increases emergency room visits and hospitalizations for pediatric asthma, making it essential for parents to take proactive steps to protect their children’s respiratory health.
Why Are Children More Vulnerable to Wildfire Smoke?
Children’s lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, making them more susceptible to air pollution. Wildfire smoke contains a mix of harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.
When wildfire smoke fills the air, children with asthma may experience:
· Increased coughing and wheezing
· Shortness of breath
· Chest tightness
· Increased need for rescue inhalers
· Higher risk of asthma attacks
The Link Between Wildfire Smoke and Pediatric Asthma
Research has confirmed that exposure to wildfire smoke can cause long-term respiratory issues in children. A study on the 2022 New Mexico wildfires found a significant rise in emergency department visits for asthma and other respiratory illnesses in wildfire-prone areas across North America.
Another study by Stanford University revealed that breathing in wildfire smoke with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 150 for several days is equivalent to smoking seven cigarettes daily—an alarming statistic for parents of young children.
Even if you keep your child indoors, smoke can seep into homes through windows, doors, and ventilation systems, leading to poor indoor air quality. This is why it’s crucial to take extra measures to ensure clean air inside your home.
Top 7 Tips To Protect Your Child from Wildfire Smoke
1. Monitor Air Quality
Check real-time air quality updates from sources like AirNow.gov or local weather reports. If the AQI is above 100, it’s best to keep your child indoors.
2. Keep Windows and Doors Closed
Seal your home as much as possible by closing windows, doors, and vents to prevent smoke infiltration. Use weather stripping to minimize air leaks.
3. Create a Clean Air Room
Designate a room in your home as a "clean air space" by running an air purifier continuously, keeping windows shut, and using a damp towel under doors to block smoke.
4. Limit Outdoor Activities
On smoky days, keep children indoors as much as possible. If they must go outside, ensure they wear an N95 mask to filter out harmful particles.
5. Maintain Indoor Humidity
Dry air can worsen asthma symptoms. Use a humidifier to keep indoor humidity between 30-50%, but avoid excessive moisture, which can encourage mold growth.
6. Have an Asthma Action Plan
Work with your child’s doctor to develop an asthma action plan that includes medication management and steps to take in case of an asthma attack during wildfire season.
7. Use a High-Efficiency Air Purifier
An air purifier with medical-grade HEPA filtration and carbon filtration, like Airpura’s air purifiers, can effectively remove fine particulate matter, VOCs, and other pollutants from wildfire smoke. Our Airpura V600/614 and V700/714/Airpura V400 are specifically designed to combat wildfire smoke and its harmful chemicals, providing your child with clean air to breathe.
At Airpura, we understand the dangers of wildfire smoke and its impact on children’s health. Our advanced air purifiers are designed to provide clean, breathable air in your home, reducing asthma triggers and improving overall well-being.
Invest in your child’s health today—because every breath matters.