Navigating Wildfire Aftermath: Cutting through Misinformation to Protect Personal Health and Safety

Written by A. Michael Ierardi, MES, MS, CIH, CSP , Bingbing Wu-Owen, MS, PhD, CIH , Taylor Burnham , Integral Consulting Inc.

In the wake of a wildfire, like many other environmental disasters, uncertainty and fear often give rise to a surge of conflicting information. While some information is shared with good intentions, it may not be scientifically sound or applicable to specific situations. Overall, informed decisions about personal health and safety depend on the clarity and credibility of the information considered.?

Although largely contained, the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles continue to burn into February, underscoring the long-term health concerns that persist well beyond the initial crisis. The risks posed by any chemical exposure depend on the amount of exposure (concentration) and the duration. Wildfire smoke produces a complex mixture of airborne contaminants, many of which can linger in homes, workplaces, and water supplies. However, risk is not uniform—it varies by location, time, and personal susceptibility.?

Given the far-reaching impacts of a wildfire, the continuous monitoring of every possible hazard is impractical. Instead, the key to protection lies in managing exposure effectively. Risk management requires a combination of science-backed strategies and practical judgment.?

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Practical Strategies for Reducing Harm?

When faced with uncertainty about air quality, water contamination, and other wildfire-related hazards, a systematic approach to risk management can provide clarity. One widely accepted framework is the hierarchy of controls, which describes protective measures from most to least effective:?

Avoid Exposure Whenever Possible: If there is the option to relocate to an area with cleaner air and water, even temporarily, this is the most effective option to reduce risk. If relocation is not possible, staying indoors and sealing doors and windows against poor air quality (see below) can help minimize exposure. Additionally, drinking bottled water helps avoid potential contaminants that may have entered the public water supply. The goal of these strategies is to entirely eliminate exposure to hazardous environmental pollutants associated with wildfire smoke. If total elimination is not an option, the following measures should be taken in combination for more effective protection.?

Engineer Surroundings for Safety: If relocation is not an option, the modification of current surroundings can reduce exposure instead. This strategy includes investing in high-efficiency air filters, tightly sealing windows and doors against smoke intrusion, and using water filtration systems, all of which can substantially mitigate risk. Materials such as weatherstrips, door sweeps, and caulk can seal gaps that allow smoke to infiltrate indoor spaces. Additionally, air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove fine particulate matter and activated carbon filters can assist in removing certain gases and volatile organic compounds. When driving, a vehicle’s recirculated air mode can also reduce the intake of outdoor pollutants. Notably, proper filter selection and installation is critical for maintaining optimal purification performance in these scenarios, and a tight fit prevents air from bypassing the filter, which would otherwise allow contaminants to pass through unimpeded. The regular maintenance and cleaning of filters is equally essential for continued effectiveness in removing contaminants. HEPA filters, for example, can become clogged over time, reducing their ability to filter fine particulate matter. Activated carbon filters must also be replaced periodically. Check and replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations for optimal performance and protection.??

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Adjust Daily Behaviors: Making intentional changes to daily habits can greatly reduce exposure to harmful contaminants. Staying indoors during periods of poor air quality, for example, minimizes the inhalation of smoke and airborne particulates. Rinsing off after being outdoors also helps remove residual ash and other contaminants from the skin and hair. Reducing strenuous physical activity like exercise, particularly outdoors in contaminated areas, limits increased breathing rates, which can lead to greater inhalation of air pollutants.??

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Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Wisely: While masks and respirators can be useful, they are not all created equal and should only be used as a last line of defense. Surgical masks, for example, are not designed to protect the wearer from air pollution. These masks are primarily intended for source control, meaning they help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets from the wearer to others, but they do not provide an effective seal against fine particulates such as wildfire smoke and airborne pollutants. For true respiratory protection in wildfire-affected areas, respirators like N95s, P100s, or elastomeric models (see below) should be used. Additionally, regardless of the type of respirator, proper fit is essential. Facial hair, such as beards or stubble, can interfere with the seal of a respirator, significantly reducing its effectiveness. Other factors, such as scars, facial jewelry, or even certain facial shapes may also impact the ability to achieve a proper seal. Respirators should therefore ideally be fit-tested (initially and annually), and a user seal check should be performed each time a respirator is worn to assess a proper seal. A poorly fitted respirator provides minimal protection and can actually increase the risk of exposure if improperly used. Filters or cartridges should also be replaced regularly based on usage and exposure conditions.??

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N95 and P100 Respirators: These disposable filtering facepiece respirators can effectively reduce exposure to fine particulates from wildfire smoke. However, while some wildfire-related pollutants are associated with fine particulates, others exist entirely in a gaseous form; these filtering respirators do not reduce exposure to such gases. Filtering facepiece respirators should fit snugly and be worn consistently when outdoors in smoky conditions. N95 respirators filter at least 95% of airborne particulates, and P100 respirators have an even higher filtration efficiency (99.97%).?

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Elastomeric Half-Face and Full-Face Respirators: These reusable respirators provide a better seal than filtering facepiece respirators and can be fitted with a variety of filter cartridges, including those for particulates, acid gases, and organic vapors. Full-face respirators further provide a better seal than half-face respirators, and they also offer eye protection, which may be beneficial when dealing with ash or chemical residues. However, wearing these respirators for extended periods can be physically demanding, as they require more breathing effort and can cause discomfort over time. Additionally, the filters and cartridges have a limited lifespan and must be replaced regularly, making continuous use impractical. These factors highlight the need to use such respirators strategically rather than continuously.?

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Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs): These battery-operated respirators provide positive airflow, making breathing easier. They are often used by emergency responders or individuals requiring extended protection in hazardous environments.?

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Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): Used primarily by firefighters and emergency responders, SCBAs provide an independent air supply, thereby protecting users from exposure to contaminants. SCBAs are not practical for the general public, but they are essential for workers in highly toxic environments.?

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Identifying Sound Scientific Advice?

In times of crisis, it is crucial to distinguish between reliable advice and fear-driven misinformation. Look for guidance from professionals with credentials in relevant fields, including certified industrial hygienists (CIHs), certified safety professionals (CSPs), toxicologists (certified by the Diplomate American Board of Toxicology [DABT]), and those with a master’s degree or other certification in public health (MPHs and CPHs). Medical doctors and researchers or practitioners with advanced degrees in environmental and occupational health sciences can also provide valuable insight. Be wary of alarmist claims on social media platforms that rely on anecdotal evidence or lack scientific backing.?

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The suitability of different recommendations varies with context. Protective measures suitable for firefighters and emergency responders—who may require specialized decontamination and respiratory protection and are trained in appropriate use of these measures—differ from those recommended for residents returning to their homes. For example, structural firefighters wear SCBAs during active firefighting, while residents are more likely to use filtering facepiece or elastomeric respirators for intermittent outdoor exposure (as noted earlier).??

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A Balanced Approach to Recovery?

Recovering from a wildfire is not limited to immediate actions during the crisis; it remains important to make sustainable choices to protect long-term health and safety. This responsibility means staying informed as conditions evolve, maintaining access to clean air, and preparing for the next event. When rebuilding or renovating a fire-damaged property, for example, precautions against exposure to soot, ash, and chemical residues are essential.?

By focusing on scientifically backed strategies, seeking credible sources, and making informed decisions about protective measures, individuals and communities can move forward with confidence rather than fear. Wildfire recovery is not just about rebuilding structures—it is about restoring a sense of safety and well-being.?

Misinformation thrives in uncertainty, but by focusing on exposure management and other actions based on sound risk assessment, everyone can navigate wildfire recovery practically and effectively. A measured approach means that the steps taken today lead to a healthier future for people and communities.?