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Environmental Health, Indoor Air Unit
PO Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975
651-201-4601
Health Hazards of Smoke from Wildfires
Wildfire smoke can affect your health
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends
people in areas affected by smoke from wildfires
decrease their outdoor activity and stay indoors as
much as possible. This is especially important for
children, older adults, smokers and those with heart
disease or asthma and other lung diseases.
Wildfire smoke can:
• Irritate eyes, sinuses and throat;
• Cause coughing, headaches, or a runny nose;
• Chest pains, shortness of breath or fatigue;
• The elderly, children and those with lung or
heart conditions are more susceptible;
• When particulate levels are high enough,
even healthy people can experience
symptoms.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA)
maintains Minnesota’s AQI. The AQI reports daily
air quality conditions throughout the state. The
greater the AQI the more care people need to take to
protect themselves.
The system tracks:
• Ozone;
• Sulfur dioxide;
• Carbon monoxide;
• Fine particulates (main health issue with
wildfire smoke).
More information on the AQI can be found at the
PCA’s website: http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/
Protect yourself
Limit your exposure to wildfire smoke.
● Pay attention to AQI and media reports;
● Limit time spent outdoors;
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Keep door s and windows closed;
Run air conditioning in recirculating mode only;
Keep fresh air intakes closed;
Install and maintain a clean furnace filter.
Paper dust or surgical masks commonly found in
hardware stores are designed to trap large particles.
These masks generally will not protect your lungs
from fine particles in wildfire smoke. If you wish
to use respiratory protection, be sure to use an N95
or a N100 type disposable respirator and follow
manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Do not compound indoor air quality issues
during wildfires
Limit indoor activities that can increase indoor air
pollution like:
• Frying and broiling;
• Burning candles and incense;
• Using fireplaces or gas stoves;
• Vacuuming.
Do not smoke indoors.
Some air cleaners can help clean the indoor air, but
buy them prior to any wildfire. Do not use ozone
generating air cleaners.
Contact your physician
If you are susceptible to wildfire smoke, contact
your physician to discuss your medications and care
during wildfires.
In addition to your physical health, smoke from
wildfires can reduce visibility, causing auto
accidents or creating other safety hazards. Be aware
of these types of hazards if you are asked to
evacuate the area.
March 2012
Health Hazards of Smoke from Wildfires – Page 2
MDH Environmental Health Contacts:
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Unit: 651-201-4601 or 800-798-9050
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/air
Outdoor Air Quality
Health Risk Assessment Unit: 651-201-4899
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/air
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Contacts:
MPCA – Air Quality Index
MPCA Air Monitoring Unit: 800-657-3694 or 651-297-1630
Website: http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/
MPCA – Wood Smoke
MPCA: 800-657-3864 or 651-296-6300
Email: ask.pca.state.mn.us
Website: www.pca.state.mn.us/wood-smoke
US Environmental Protection Agency Contacts:
USEPA Air Quality Index - AIRNow
Website: http://airnow.gov/
USEPA Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies – Wildfires
Website: www.epa.gov/naturalevents/wildfires/
Other Contacts:
California Environmental Protection Agency - Air Resources Board
Website: www.arb.ca.gov
California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Wildfire Smoke – A Guide for Public Health Officials
Website: http://oehha.ca.gov/air/risk_assess/wildfire.html
March 2012