Over the last few decades, California has experienced increasingly severe wildfire seasons. Fifteen of the 20 largest wildfires in California history have occurred since 2000, driven by prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and dense vegetation. In Ventura County, the infamous Thomas Fire of 2017 alone burned over 280,000 acres and destroyed over 1,000 structures.
This ongoing increase in fire frequency and intensity has worsened the air quality in Southern California and beyond, with smoke and particulate matter lingering in the air for weeks. As wildfires grow larger and more common, Ventura County residents must take steps to protect themselves from poor air quality during and after fire events.
How Are Wildfires Impacting Air Quality in Ventura County?
The fires that sweep across California release dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere. Smoke from these wildfires contains various pollutants, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine particulate matter that can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream. These tiny particles can travel far from the original burn site, affecting regions many miles from the blaze.
Poor air quality becomes a serious concern during these times. Outside air can reach unhealthy, very unhealthy, or even hazardous levels, but sheltering indoors isn’t a failsafe. After all, homes are not completely airtight, allowing smoke and pollutants to seep through small gaps and cracks.
Why Indoor Air Quality Is More Important Than Ever
Maintaining clean indoor air is crucial, especially during wildfire season. The pollutants in wildfire smoke pose significant health risks. Prolonged exposure can cause short-term irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as long-term effects like respiratory illness, asthma, and heart disease.
For sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with asthma or lung disease, the risks are even greater. Wildfire season becomes longer and more intense every year, so taking measures to protect your household’s most sensitive members is more critical than ever.
How To Mitigate the Effects of Wildfire Pollution
Preventing wildfires is a different, though worthwhile, conversation. As long as they remain prevalent in California, you can protect your family from their harmful effects using these tips to improve indoor air quality:
- Keep windows and doors closed: During poor air quality days, keep your home tightly sealed to prevent smoke from entering. Apply weatherstripping or caulk ahead of time to fill gaps around windows and doors.
- Upgrade your air filter: Equip your HVAC system with a high-efficiency filter. Look for a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 or higher to effectively trap smoke particles. Only install a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter if your system is rated to counteract the decreased airflow.
- Use air purifiers: Whole-home air purifiers provide the most comprehensive protection against wildfire smoke, though portable units are effective in individual rooms. Some California residents set up a portable air purifier in an interior room to ensure at least one area has consistently clean air during especially smoky periods.
- Monitor local air quality: Keep an eye on air quality reports so you know when to take extra precautions, like avoiding outdoor activities or increasing air filtration in your home. Services like AirNow and California Smoke Spotter provide real-time updates.
Rely on Aladdin AC for Indoor Air Quality Services
Aladdin Air Conditioning & Heating has been serving Ventura County since 1999. We offer effective indoor air quality solutions to help you breathe easy, including air purifier installation and air filter services. Trust our NATE-certified technicians to help you maintain a healthy indoor environment during wildfire season and all year round.
Contact us today to schedule indoor air quality services that can help protect your home from wildfire smoke.
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