Prepare for Wildfire Smoke by Creating a Clean Air Room - Santa Barbara Edhat

Posted: 28 Sep 2019 01:24 PM PDT

Source: Air Pollution Control District

In recognition of September as National Preparedness Month, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department encourage Santa Barbara County residents to plan for poor air quality conditions caused by future wildfire smoke. The smoke and ash from wildfires is made up of very small particles known as particulate matter, or PM. These particles can harm respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions are especially sensitive.

When smoke is present, it is important for everyone to avoid outdoor activities – making indoor air quality that much more important. Those who are unable to keep their indoor air clean during a wildfire should consider relocating to an area where the air is cleaner, even if only for a few hours. Symptoms of smoke exposure include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain, nausea, and unusual fatigue or lightheadedness.

Below are some tips to create a safe environment at home:

Create a "clean air room" with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air purifier. HEPA purifiers can reduce the amount of harmful particles indoors by approximately 90 percent.
HEPA air purifiers are available for purchase at home improvement stores and online. They come in various makes and models for various room sizes. The device should be used in a room where a lot of time is spent, such as a bedroom. A purifier the right size for an average bedroom starts at approximately $75.
Filters on HEPA air purifiers should be checked frequently and replaced as often as is indicated in the owner's manual. The filters need to be replaced more often if used during a wildfire.
California Air Resources Board keeps a list of air purifiers confirmed as safe and legal for sale in the state: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/certified.htm
A less expensive, but similarly effective, option involves attaching a MERV-rated filter to a box fan, which are both available at home improvement stores and online for a total cost of approximately $30-$40. Find instructions here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH5APw_SLUU.
If advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed. If temperatures are high and there is no way to keep the home cool with the windows and doors closed, consider temporarily relocating until conditions improve.
Drink plenty of fluids to keep respiratory membranes moist during smoke events.
Run home and car air conditioners on recycle or recirculate. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.
Consider several factors before using face masks. N-95 masks can be effective at reducing smoke exposure outdoors, but only if they fit properly. Surgical masks, scarves, bandanas, and other means of covering the mouth and nose are not effective and should not be used.
The N-95 mask must fit snugly around the nose and chin. For this reason, they should not be used on children or people with facial hair, as they won't seal well enough to provide protection. An N-95 mask requires that an airtight seal be created around the edges of the mask once it is on the face and pressed into place across the nose.
Generally, if the air quality is poor enough to consider using an N-95 mask, it is best to stay in a "clean air room" indoors or temporarily relocate to somewhere with better conditions. The use of N-95 masks should not be used to extend time outside beyond what is absolutely necessary.
Individuals with heart and lung conditions should consult their health care provider before using an N-95 mask.

En Español: https://www.ourair.org/wp-content/uploads/092719-cleanroom-Spanish.pdf

How can I cope with seasonal allergies? - The Gazette

Posted: 29 Sep 2019 01:30 AM PDT

Angie's List

High pollen counts in many parts of the country have quite a few people paying close attention to their allergies and keeping medication or inhalers close at hand. But allergens lurk both in the home and outside. You can take these steps to minimize allergens in your life and find some respiratory relief.

KEEP YOUR HOME SEALED

The best prevention is making sure allergens don't get into your home at all. Keep windows closed and use air conditioners that are well-sealed and maintained with regular filter changes. Keeping windows sealed at night is particularly important, as pollen counts from trees typically peak in the morning.

ALLOW AIR TO MOVE THROUGH THE HOUSE

The more you run air across surfaces, the cleaner it remains. Ceiling fans or portable fans keep air circulating all the time, without needing to open windows or doors. You can also run your HVAC fan with the heat and air off, which cleans allergens out of the ductwork and sucks it back into the filter. This also prevents moisture from developing in vents, which can allow mold to flourish.

KEEP YOUR HOUSE CLEAN AND TIDY

Regular house cleaning prevents allergens from sticking around and makes sure mold and microbes can't grow. A bit of Lysol disinfectant at the bottom of your HVAC filter will help kill microbes. A vacuum with a HEPA filter helps kill microbes, and you should clean dust using a wet cloth rather than a feather duster to avoid spreading it around.

CHANGE YOUR PERSONAL HABITS

When you've been outdoors, change clothing as soon as you get inside. This prevents you from bringing outdoor pollen into the living area. Consider decluttering personal knickknacks for the season — pollutants can collect, and this makes dusting easier. Regularly wash your bedding in hot water to kill dust mites. Use allergen-proof casings on pillows and mattresses.

CALL IN PROFESSIONAL HELP

Numerous pros can make your life easier in allergy season. A pest control company can get rid of pests such as cockroaches and mice, who create allergy symptoms. A housecleaner can help get your area spic-and-span and get into all the nooks and crannies. Outdoor yard workers or landscapers can cut grass, prune bushes or rake leaves without exposing you directly to pollen and mold spores.

UPGRADE YOUR FILTER

Not all HVAC filters are the same. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is the most effective one, removing nearly all particulates from the home. However, these are also large and sometimes require a professional to retrofit your system.

To get the best value for your filter dollar, check the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating. The higher the rating, the more effectively it blocks. Standard filters have a MERV between 1 and 4. A high-efficiency filter has a rating between 5 and 12. Consult your owner's manual before installing a filter rated 13 through 16. A filter with a higher MERV rating than your system can handle might restrict airflow or damage the equipment. HEPA filters range from 17 to 20, the highest efficiency.

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