California's recent wildfires have caused widespread devastation, and our thoughts are with everyone affected. These fires have severely impacted both the landscape and air quality, making clean indoor air more essential than ever. Wildfires release many harmful substances into the air, including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and suspended particulates, which cause a rapid decline in air quality. According to CBS, some areas affected by the Los Angeles wildfires have seen air quality drop from "good" to "moderate" on the Air Quality Index (AQI). While the "good" level is typically safe for most people, it can still be harmful to individuals who are sensitive to air quality.
Inhaling toxic gases can harm your entire body, not just your lungs:
1. Lung Damage: Symptoms may include coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
2. Nasal Irritation: This can cause a runny nose, hoarseness, and a sore throat.
3. Eye Irritation: You may experience burning or stinging in your eyes.
4. Neurological Effects: Exposure can lead to memory loss, confusion, and dizziness.
5. Heart Damage: Prolonged exposure can harm your heart.
6. Cognitive Decline: Higher exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to increased rates of dementia.
Given these risks, it’s important to be cautious about the air quality around you, especially if you are pregnant, have young children, are elderly, or suffer from respiratory or cardiovascular issues, as these groups are more sensitive to air pollution.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from polluted air:
1. Wear a mask: When going outside, wear a mask such as an N95, which can filter harmful gases and particles.
2. Stay indoors: Limit outdoor activities as much as possible.
3. Close windows and doors: Keep your windows and doors shut to prevent smoky air from entering.
4. Change your clothes: After coming indoors, change your clothes to avoid bringing outdoor pollutants inside.
5. Use an air purifier: Run an air purifier 24/7 to help clean indoor air.
Once you've done that, you might want to get an air quality monitor to check your indoor air from time to time. If the air quality isn't improving, you could think about more advanced options, like upgrading your air purifier or looking into professional air filtration systems. An air purifier can effectively reduce PM2.5 and VOCs, helping to keep your indoor air as clean as possible during wildfire season.
Bansa Rose offers air purifiers that are designed to address this need, featuring advanced HEPA and carbon filters, along with real-time air quality detection, to effectively remove smoke, pollutants, and airborne particles. If you're struggling with poor air quality, consider adding a Bansa Rose air purifier to your home to protect yourself and enjoy a healthier, smoke-free environment.
