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Here in Southern California, wildfires are unfortunately a way of life. Due to that fact, wildfire smoke has become an issue as well. In fact, NPR published an article about the dangers that wildfire smoke poses to public health and the negative impact it can have on indoor air quality.

In particular, the NPR article discusses the dangers of tiny particles called PM2.5 particles. These particles are so microscopic that they can make it inside our homes and businesses even if the doors and windows are shut tight. In addition, PM2.5 particles are capable of seeping into our bloodstream, which can result in cardiac and respiratory problems.

Fortunately, according to research from The University of California – Berkeley, homes and businesses that have high-efficiency air filters installed had half as many PM2.5 particles in them as homes without those type of air filters. Since it doesn’t appear that California’s wildfire problems are going away anytime soon, it’s more important than ever that Southern Californians do what’s necessary, such as installing high-efficiency air filters, to make sure the air quality in their homes and businesses doesn’t take a dip because of wildfire smoke.

5 Tips for Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

There are several steps you can take to help protect yourself and others in your home or workplace from the dangers of wildfire smoke. The following are five tips for protecting your home or business’s indoor air quality from the devastating effects of wildfire smoke:

  1. Check Local Air Quality – You can find a real time update on your area’s air quality on the fire and smoke map on the AirNow website. Keeping track of your area’s air quality index is another way to tell how safe the air is in your community. The air quality index measures the quality of the air and rates it for safety. It has six levels, which are good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous.
  2. Wear a Mask – Depending on your health situation, and especially at times when you cannot stay indoors, wearing an N95 mask can help protect you from wildfire smoke. To be sure your mask is going to protect you, ensure that it is NIOSH-certified and make sure you know how to wear it correctly.
  3. Stay Indoors – Staying inside with the doors and windows closed is usually your best bet to avoid wildfire smoke. It’s even more of a sure bet if your home or business has high-efficiency air filters and air cleaners.
  4. Install High-Efficiency Air Filters – High-efficiency air filters can protect your indoor air quality from suffering because of wildfire smoke. It’s best to install air filters with a MERV rating of 13 or higher to ensure you’re well protected.
  5. Use Air Cleaners – While air filters help clean the air entering your home or business, air cleaners make sure that the air inside your home or business is as clean as possible. CARB-certified air cleaners work best. They are great at reducing indoor particle levels and limiting the impact of smoke.

Our Indoor Air Quality Experts Can Help You Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Indoor air quality is not just a problem in our community, but also throughout the world. Still, as pressing as this issue has become, it’s rarely a priority for homeowners and businesses. At Carter Services, our customers’ safety and health are always our highest priority.

Since 1974, we’ve done our best to help make it easy as possible for residential and commercial customers in Torrance, Orange County, and surrounding communities to prioritize their home or business’s indoor air quality. We offer a wide range of indoor air quality services, and our licensed and insured HVAC technicians know what it takes to help protect your home or business from wildfire smoke.

For more information about Carter Services, and what we can do to help you, check out our reviews and cities served.

To learn more about the services we provide and how we can help you with your indoor air quality problem, call us at (310) 872-1898 or contact us online today to discuss your situation with our experienced indoor air quality experts. Make sure to ask about our Care Plan and coupons!

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