How a Clean Air Plan Can Save Your Health Before & During a Wildfire
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) - The impact of smoke from wildfires can often be deceiving.
Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is encouraging the public to have a clean air plan prior to the next big fire either here or nearby.
Smoke and ash contain very small particles known as particulate matter, which can travel from wildfires even hundreds of miles away.
These particles harm the lungs and heart, and can cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and nausea.
The most vulnerable are kids, seniors, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions.
The APCD Information Officer, Lyz Bantilan says, " wildfire season is now. We are in the thick of it. We are no stranger to wildfires here in Santa Barbara County. The smoke in recent years as we have seen can be transported from hundreds of miles away and we can have the impacts."
The best protection is to find a location with clean air, or create a clean room yourself.
That can be with a do it yourself system using a box fan and a filter or with a HEPA purifier. The HEPA filter should be checked to be the right size for your room, such as a normal sized bedroom to be able to work efficiently.
"You do want to make sure all your windows are closed so you're not letting in more smoke. Give the device all the tools it needs to do it's job well, " said Bantilan.
Santa Barbara County has had many wildfires that have turned the skies into a rusty color, an indicator of the bad air swirling around. Often you can also see smoke coming in from other areas depending on the wind patterns. Another example would be if your car is covered in ash, which means it is present in the air flow.
There is also a special offer for residents in Old Town Goleta. "Right now we have a program, this is for residents for Old Town Goleta only, we are giving away free air purifiers. First come, First served," said Bantilan. The area is identified as a location that needs more clean air systems and it is densely populated.
Old Town is generally bordered by Highway 217 to Fairview Ave. and by Highway 101 down to a few blocks south of Hollister Ave. Your address on the application form will determine your eligibility.
The APCD has more information and videos here.
Here is a step by step plan to build your own filer.
- Use strong tape to attach a 20x20 MERV-rated air filter — like you would use for your HVAC system — to a 20x20 box fan. Attach it to the back of the fan for a better seal.
- Use a filter with a MERV rating of 13.
- Check the filter for the direction of the air flow, marked on the side of the filter.
- As needed, disassemble the box fan to wipe away any accumulated dirt.
- For safety, follow these precautions:
- Use a box fan that is from 2012 or newer, due to added safety features.
- Don’t leave the device unattended, and turn it off while sleeping.
- When the fan is modified like this, use the device as an air cleaner, not as fan to cool your home.
For links and video, here are some suggestions:
- Series of instructional videos on how to create a “clean air room” at home (using a store-bought air purifier, making your own, other indoor air quality tips, and information about wildfire smoke and health): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLejjCxk3dncBa5f-CmNRyieIISJ-hiX1q
- Websites to check air quality conditions 24/7: https://www.ourair.org/todays-air-quality/ (APCD’s permanent monitoring stations throughout the county) and the AirNow Fire & Smoke map: https://fire.airnow.gov/#7.34/35.026/-118.731 (combines data from APCD’s permanent monitors and air quality sensors)
- APCD’s webpage to sign up for Air Quality Alerts – sent via email and/or text, in English and Spanish: https://www.ourair.org/subscribe/
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