Don’t Let Smoke Get in Your Eyes (and Lungs) This Summer

Air quality in Vermont is typically good in summer, allowing us to spend time outside without worrying about breathing polluted air. But lately, smoke from wildfires burning in the western U.S. and Canada has occasionally drifted into the state, marring our summer days and threatening Vermonters’ health.

Already this summer, on June 7, air quality in Vermont was unhealthy for people who are sensitive to air pollution, including those with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and children. There were seven other days in June when the air quality posed a moderate risk for sensitive people.

With Vermont experiencing several stretches of poor air quality in recent summers, it’s worthwhile to be prepared for the next time it happens. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your family from the effects of wildfire smoke and air pollution.

• Learn about the Air Quality Index. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed the Air Quality Index (AQI), which has six categories ranging from good to hazardous. Learn what the six levels mean and determine which ones will trigger you to take action. For example, a healthy person may not need to take precautions until the air quality reaches the purple or very unhealthy level, while a person with asthma may want to take action at the yellow or moderate level. Your healthcare provider may be able to assist you in deciding which AQI levels to be concerned about.
• Watch for AQI alerts. Monitor local media for AQI alerts, which will tell you what the air quality is expected to be where you live. Using the Airnow.gov website, you can view the current and forecast AQI for your community. You can sign up for email notifications and download a mobile app. If you register with VT-ALERT, you can choose to receive air quality warnings.

• Know the symptoms. Air pollution can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including eye irritation, scratchy throat, runny nose, cough, chest pain, and wheezing or trouble breathing. Be aware of how you are feeling when outside during AQI alerts. If your symptoms are getting worse, reduce your exposure by going inside or limiting your activities. If your symptoms don’t improve, you may need to contact your healthcare provider.
• Keep smoke out of your home. On days when the AQI is bad enough for you to be concerned, take steps to prevent smoke from entering your home. Keep windows and doors closed and run an air conditioner, if you have one. Make sure the air conditioner is recirculating indoor air, not drawing in air from outside. If you can’t or don’t want to close all the windows in your house, pick one room to be a “clean air room” where the windows are kept closed. Take frequent breaks in that clean air room. Running an air purifier with a HEPA filter in the clean air room may be helpful.
• Roll up your car windows. When you are on the road during an AQI alert, roll up your vehicle’s windows and run its air conditioner on the recirculate setting.
• Visit a cooling center. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, it can be dangerous to keep the windows closed on a hot day. Plan on spending time at a cooling center to take a break from the heat. The Vermont Department of Health has a searchable list of cooling sites.
• Limit your time outside. Shorten your time outdoors during AQI alerts and avoid strenuous activities. Reduce the intensity of your exercise routine, such as going for a walk instead of running. An alternative is exercising indoors during periods of poor air quality.
• Wear a mask when outdoors. If you are sensitive to air pollution, consider wearing an N95/KN95 mask if you go outside when the air is unhealthy. If you have heart or lung problems, talk to your healthcare provider before using a N95/KN95 mask.
• Keep your pets inside. Consider your pets’ health when the air quality is poor. Keep them inside as much as possible during AQI alerts.

Hopefully, wildfire smoke will stay away from Vermont for the rest of the summer. But if our skies become smoky again, following these tips will help you and your family members protect your health and breathe easier.