The recent Mountain fire in Ventura County painted California skies an ominous orange, serving as a stark reminder of the growing wildfire threat facing not just the West Coast, but regions across the United States. As fire seasons lengthen and intensify due to climate change, protecting ourselves from hazardous smoke has become a pressing public health issue.
Wildfire smoke particles pose serious health risks, potentially triggering or worsening heart and lung conditions even miles away from the actual fires. While standard advice to stay indoors helps, a more comprehensive approach is needed to safeguard our health.
Here are five practical steps to minimize exposure to toxic wildfire smoke:
- Monitor Air Quality Carefully Don't rely solely on how the sky looks - use local air quality monitors and networks like PurpleAir to track particle pollution levels in your area. Consider investing in a personal particle monitor for real-time readings.
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