Health officials have been urging people to stay inside during “hazardous” air quality in the Chicago area, but what happens if the wildfire smoke making for dangerous conditions outside enters your home?
Experts say it likely already has. And with air quality alerts continuing into the weekend, and smoke expected to return for multiple days, it could get worse.
According to HVAC company Precision Today, most people have smoke or particulates inside their home right now — even if they don’t smell or see them.
“You should be aware that some of the smoke from outdoors can enter your home and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too,” the Environmental Protection Agency said.
It’s possible, the indoor particles can also lead to health problems.
“These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system – whether you are outdoors or indoors, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis,” the EPA noted. “Fine particles can also aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases – and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions. ”
The smoke can enter homes through open windows and doors, mechanical ventilation decides like bathroom or kitchen fans, HVAC systems and more.
It’s a scenario that has led many workers to test home air quality.
“You would always want to know what you are breathing in your own home,” said Andrew Bland, a service manager with Precision Today.
So what can you do?
Here are some ways to keep your home safe:
Keep windows closed. Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans only as needed. Because they can pull outdoor air inside Run portable air filtration units on high For mounted air conditioning, check filters and seal all gaps around the unit] If you have an HVAC system with a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode, or close the outdoor intake damper. If you have an evaporative cooler, and can safely access it, completely cover the outside air intakes with 4-inch-thick high-efficiency (MERV 13) furnace filters. Note: the external filters may need to be replaced frequently due to wind or rain damage. If you cannot do this, use the evaporative cooler sparingly during smoky conditions because it can bring more smoke inside. If you have a window air conditioner, close the outdoor air damper. If you cannot close the damper, do not use the window air conditioner. Make sure that the seal between the air conditioner and the window is as tight as possible. If you have a portable air conditioner with a single hose, typically vented out of a window, use it sparingly in smoky conditions because it can result in more smoke being brought inside. If you have a portable air conditioner with two hoses, make sure that the seal between the window vent kit and the window is as tight as possible.Even once the smoke subsides, conditions inside your home may not improve.
“The air quality will improve but the smoke, soot and ash could “stay in people’s homes a good few weeks after this all goes away,” Bland said.
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