Late last night, residents of New York City received familiar yet unusual advice from city officials. They were urged to wear high-quality masks, such as N95 or KN95, if they were older adults or had heart or breathing problems and needed to be outside. However, this time the recommendation was not related to viral infections but rather to protect against the thick smoke from wildfires in Canada. The fires have been raging for weeks, affecting various regions in the United States including the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic.
The situation is dire. Yesterday, New Haven, Connecticut experienced its worst air quality on record, and some towns in New York and Pennsylvania have been enveloped in hazardous levels of pollutants. Going outside in these conditions is extremely dangerous. Linsey Marr, an environmental engineer at Virginia Tech, strongly advises wearing a mask for those who must be outdoors.
The suggestion of wearing masks in response to smoke may seem contradictory to the majority of Americans who associate masks with COVID-19 protection, particularly indoors. However, the current priority is to protect our airways from outdoor air pollution. While there are differences in the sources of viral outbreaks and wildfires, both introduce harmful particles into the air that can be blocked by masks. The primary pollutants from fires are fine particulate matter, which can cause irritation and inflammation in the respiratory system and have been linked to heart and lung issues.
N95 masks and other high-quality masks are designed to filter out microscopic particles in the air and have proven to be highly effective. It is crucial to choose the right mask and ensure a proper fit to maximize protection. Surgical masks, cloth masks, or loose accessories are not sufficient, although they are better than no covering at all. The key is to block the size of the particles, whether they are viral or smoke-related.
While N95 masks do not shield the eyes or protect against gaseous pollutants emitted by wildfires, the main concern for individuals miles away from the source of smoke is the fine particulate matter. Carbon monoxide levels have remained low in affected areas. It’s important to note that the advice on wearing masks may not be universally embraced due to mask fatigue and discomfort, particularly in hot and humid weather. But for those living in regions with poor air quality, masks are considered a secondary defense measure after minimizing exposure by staying indoors with closed doors and windows.
Additionally, experts recommend using air filters, such as air conditioners or portable air cleaners, to improve indoor air quality. Understanding the difference between filtration and ventilation is also essential. While ventilation is crucial in preventing respiratory virus transmission, it can worsen smoke-related harm during wildfires. In the context of wildfires, it is better to have stale indoor air to avoid smoke.
Although the public’s perspective on masks has been heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to recognize that both wildfires and viral outbreaks are expected to become more common in the future. Therefore, having awareness and access to masks is crucial. While the wildfires are unfortunate, they provide an opportunity for a mask-friendly response. Unlike a microscopic virus, smoke is visible and serves as a reminder that the air is not clean. This shared threat may help bridge the divide regarding mask usage.
In conclusion, wearing masks to protect against wildfire smoke may seem counterintuitive to some, given the emphasis on COVID-19 masking. However, the visible and ominous nature of smoke pollution may serve as a wake-up call, prompting individuals to prioritize their respiratory health. While it may take time to change people’s perceptions of masks, the increased awareness and availability of masks can be a positive outcome resulting from the current wildfires.
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