Smoke lingering in PA keeping you indoors? Take these steps to reduce possible pollution

This summer has been an especially smoky season for large swaths of eastern Canada and the U.S., and this week is expected to continue that trend.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued Monday a statewide “Code Orange Air Quality Action Day” for July 17 as Canadian wildfire smoke again drifts southward into the U.S. The agency’s issuance comes amid a forecast of Air Quality Index readings in the orange range, signaling air pollution may be particularly troublesome for vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems.

By 2 p.m. Monday, airnow.gov reported State College’s AQI score at 152 in the lower level of the red range, though conditions are expected to improve into Tuesday. A red air pollution rating indicates conditions are unhealthy for all.

If you’re sheltering from poor air quality this summer, here are a few steps you can take to reduce smoke pollution in your home.

Reducing smoke pollution indoors

Even with your doors closed, wildfire smoke can infiltrate your home through loose seals and cracks. University of California San Francisco researchers estimate shutting your windows can cut indoor pollution by up to 30%.

You can also help prevent smoke entry by using wet towels to seal the space beneath doors leading outside, according to the California Association of Life Safety and Fire Equipment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, meanwhile, encourages homeowners to avoid any activities that can stir up pollutants indoors, including cooking, vacuuming, smoking or lighting candles.

The EPA also offers the following suggestions to help reduce exposure to hazardous air pollution when levels are “extremely high:”

• Stay indoors with filtered air. You can browse an online guide to find air cleaners that work best for your home, including those that are more affordable or offer stronger protection against particular pollutants.

• Keep activity levels low. Avoid exercise or other activities that may make you breathe faster or more deeply.

• Create a “clean room” for sleeping if your air purifier or ventilation can’t cover your entire home. Choose a room with few windows and doors and use your smaller air purifier there.

• Consider crafting your own portable air cleaner. Instructions from the EPA are available online at epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-09/diy-air-purifier-infographic_final.pdf.

If you’re heading outside for unavoidable activity or feel the need for additional protection, consider wearing a suitable N95 or high-quality face mask that can reduce air pollution.

The EPA offers the following tips when choosing a mask or respirator:

• Choose a “particulate respirator” that’s approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. These are marked with “NIOSH,” “N95” or “P100.”

• Opt for a mask with two straps that go over your head and stay away from those with a single strap or ear loops.

• Make sure your mask fits snugly on your nose with a tight seal around your face and chin.

What does poor air quality in Pennsylvania mean for me?

Environmental officials expect conditions to ease Tuesday when the air quality in much of Pennsylvania falls into the yellow, or moderate, range. Regardless, residents are encouraged to limit their time outside.

“On a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day, young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities,” the DEP wrote.

Air quality readings categorized as unhealthy for sensitive groups can still affect the average person’s health. An eight-hour workday spent outdoors during an orange-rated AQI score of 152, for example, is roughly equivalent to smoking a cigarette, one air quality calculator reports. That metric jumps to more than three cigarettes after a full 24 hours outdoors.

The State College area is expected to improve to “moderate” air quality Tuesday, according to airnow.gov.

How to check air quality in your area

Visit airnow.gov to look up air quality readings for your ZIP code, city or state. The tool, provided by the EPA, also offers suggestions to avoid exposure, plus live map readings, forecasts and graphics to break down critical air quality information.

The EPA also offers an AirNow mobile app for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

This story may be updated.