Five Easy Steps to Stay Healthy Amid Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Baltimore Residents

The air quality in Baltimore and the surrounding region has been adversely affected by the smoke from Canadian wildfires, causing it to range from "very unhealthy" to "hazardous" according to the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI)​​. However, there are simple steps that residents can take to safeguard their health during these conditions. Here are five easy ways to stay healthy:

1. Stay Indoors: The simplest and most effective way to avoid the harmful effects of smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible. This reduces exposure to the fine particles in the smoke that can cause immediate health effects, including coughing, irritated sinuses, and headaches​​.
2. Keep Doors and Windows Closed: To limit the amount of polluted outdoor air that enters your home, keep all doors and windows closed. This will help maintain a lower level of air pollution indoors than outside, further minimizing exposure to harmful smoke particles​​.
3. Limit Physical Activity Outdoors: If you must go outside, avoid strenuous activity, particularly prolonged strenuous activity. For those who typically engage in outdoor workouts, consider walking or shifting your exercise routine indoors. Exercise increases the rate of breathing, which could lead to greater inhalation of smoke particles​​.
4. Wear Proper Masks: If you have to be outside for an extended period, wear an N95 or KN95 mask, which can filter out harmful particulate matter present in wildfire smoke. It's important to note that cloth or surgical masks, while helpful for limiting the spread of diseases like COVID-19, do not effectively filter out wildfire smoke particles​​.
5. Monitor Air Quality: Stay informed about the air quality in your area by checking updates from reliable sources such as AirNow.gov. The air quality is expected to improve later in the week and over the weekend, but forecasts can change, so it's essential to keep monitoring the situation​.

These simple steps can significantly reduce the health risks associated with wildfire smoke. However, individuals with preexisting conditions such as asthma or heart disease, children, and older adults should take extra precautions as they are more susceptible to the harmful effects of poor air quality​​. If you or anyone in your household begins to experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or severe headaches, seek medical attention immediately.

Remember, staying informed and taking precautionary measures can help us navigate these challenging times while prioritizing our health and well-being.