How to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution

Monitoring Air Quality

The first step in protection is awareness:

• Check the AQI daily before outdoor activities
• Sign up for air quality alerts in your area
• Monitor forecasts, especially during wildfire season
• Pay attention to local air quality patterns

Outdoor Protection

When Air Quality is Moderate to Unhealthy (AQI 51-200)

• Limit prolonged outdoor exertion
• Exercise early morning or evening when ozone is lower
• Choose activities farther from busy roads
• Take frequent breaks during outdoor activities

When Air Quality is Very Unhealthy or Hazardous (AQI 201+)

• Avoid outdoor physical activity
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
• Wear an N95 or KN95 mask if you must go outside
• Reschedule outdoor activities

Indoor Air Quality

Your indoor air quality matters too:

Air Purification

• Use HEPA air purifiers in main living areas and bedrooms
• Ensure purifiers are sized appropriately for the room
• Run purifiers continuously during poor air quality episodes
• Replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations

Ventilation Management

• Keep windows closed when outdoor air quality is poor
• Use air conditioning with recirculation mode
• Upgrade HVAC filters to MERV-13 or higher
• Ventilate indoor spaces when outdoor air quality is good

Source Control

• Don't smoke indoors
• Minimize use of wood-burning fireplaces
• Avoid burning candles or incense during poor air quality
• Use exhaust fans when cooking
• Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals

Personal Protection Equipment

Masks

Not all masks protect against air pollution:

• N95 and KN95 masks: Highly effective against PM2.5 and other particles
• Surgical masks: Provide minimal protection
• Cloth masks: Ineffective for air pollution
• Proper fit is crucial: Seal around nose and face for effectiveness

Creating a Clean Room

For extreme pollution events, designate a "clean room":

• Choose a room with few windows and doors
• Run one or more HEPA purifiers
• Keep the door closed
• Seal gaps around doors and windows
• Spend most of your time in this room during severe pollution

Special Considerations for Sensitive Groups

If you're in a sensitive group, take extra precautions:

• Consult your doctor about an asthma action plan
• Keep rescue medications readily available
• Consider relocating during extended poor air quality periods
• Work with your employer about working from home during poor air quality