AIR QUALITY ALERTS CONTINUE AS WILDFIRES CONTINUE TO BURN
The air quality alerts continue as wildfires continue to burn. We have all been inundated with the media attention on the wildfires that are impacting many parts of the world. Even if you don’t live in an area where wildfires occur, you will still feel the negative effects on your air quality. The reason for this is because wildfire smoke can travel thousands of miles beyond the original fire location.
The Main Causes of Wildfires
The main causes of wildfires are: the burning of vegetation related to deforestation practices, lightening and human error/negligence.
Lightening is the most common ignition source that causes the vast majority of wildfires. Although this is a natural phenomenon, it is completely unpredictable. Humans are also responsible for initiating wildfires which can occur accidentally. Nonetheless, keeping fires under control is crucial if we want to preserve wildlife and vegetation and avoid undesirable health problems and diseases caused by air pollution from smoke and ash.
The biggest concern to note is that exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with respiratory issues, dizziness, chest pain, severe cough or shortness of breath. The smoke is a huge stressor on people who are vulnerable or immune-compromised. Those at higher risk include seniors, pregnant people, infants and young children, or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
What makes wildfire smoke harmful? The smoke contains particles and one of the many pollutants found in wildfire smoke is particle pollution—a mix of very tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. These particles are so small that they enter and lodge deep in the lungs. Another serious threat from this smoke is carbon monoxide- a colourless, odourless gas. Inhaling CO reduces oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues and can lead to the many previously listed symptoms or even premature death.
Air Quality Alerts
When air quality alerts are issued, it is advisable that one remains indoors. Because of the small size of the particles, they can easily penetrate homes and buildings. During wildfires, the amount of these particles can increase dramatically indoors thus causing poor indoor air quality too.
Air purifiers can help to remove some of these particles from the indoor air. Wildfire particles can measure at 2.5 microns or smaller. PUR Air purifiers containing HEPA filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns! They also contain carbon activated filters that help to remove odours (from smoke), gases, dust and other allergens that can cause irritation of the respiratory tract.
Considering an air purification unit for your home? Contact us to ensure that you are educated on learning which will be best suited to your needs. While it is crucial to ensure that you have good indoor air quality during wildfire events, clean indoor air is important all year round for strong immune health for you and your family.
Contact the professionals at PUR DISTRIBUTION
Contact the professionals at PUR Distribution to learn more about you can improve the air quality in your home or business.
Contact us today to find out more about our various products. We also provide Air Quality Testing if you are unsure of the quality of the air in your environment. By taking this first step and identifying the contaminants, we can better provide you support to make a positive change in the air that you or a loved one are breathing.
Contact the experts at PUR Distribution
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416.410.3450
