Wildfire Smoke

A Guide for Public Health Officials

July 2001

Introduction
Smoke rolls into town, blanketing the city, turning on street lights, creating an eerie and
choking fog. Switch boards light up as people look for answers. Citizens want to know what
they should do to protect themselves. Schools want to know if practices should be cancelled.
The media wants to know how dangerous the smoke really is.
Smoke events often catch us off-guard. This guide is intended to provide local public health
officials the information they need during a wildfire smoke event so they can adequately
communicate health risks and precautions to the public. It is the result of a collaborative effort
that brought together scientists, air quality specialists and public health professionals from
national, state and local agencies.

Composition of smoke
Smoke is made up primarily of carbon dioxide, water vapor,
carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons and other
organics, nitrogen oxides and trace minerals. The composition
of smoke varies with fuel type: different wood and vegetation
are composed of varying amounts of cellulose, lignin, tannins
and other polyphenolics, oils, fats, resins, waxes and starches
which produce different compounds when burned.
In general, particulate matter is the major pollutant of concern
from wildfire smoke. Particulate is a general term for a mixture
of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Particulate
from smoke tends to be very small (less than one micron in
diameter) and, as a result, is more of a health concern than the
coarser particles that typically make up road dust. Particulate
matter from wood smoke has a size range near the wavelength
of visible light (0.4 0.7 micrometers). This makes the
particles excellent scatterers of light and, therefore, excellent
reducers of visibility.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, produced as a
product of incomplete combustion. It is produced in the largest
amounts during the smoldering stages of the fire.
Hazardous air pollutants are present in smoke, but in far less
concentrations than particulate and carbon monoxide. The most
common are acrolein, benezene and formaldehyde.
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Health effects of smoke

The effects of smoke run from irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract to more serious
disorders, including asthma, bronchitis, reduced lung function and premature death. Studies
have found that fine particulate matter is linked (alone or with other pollutants) with a number of
significant respiratory and cardiovascular-related effects, including increased mortality and
aggravation of existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. In addition, airborne particles are
respiratory irritants, and laboratory studies show that high concentrations of particulate matter
cause persistent cough, phlegm, wheezing and physical discomfort in breathing. Particulate
matter can also alter the bodys immune system and affect removal of foreign materials from the
lung, like pollen and bacteria.
Carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream through the lungs
and reduces oxygen delivery to the bodys organs and
tissues. The health threat from lower levels of CO is most
serious for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease. At
higher levels, carbon monoxide exposure can cause
headaches, dizziness, visual impairment, reduced work
capacity, and reduced manual dexterity even in otherwise
healthy individuals. At even higher levels (seldom
associated solely with a fire), carbon monoxide can be
deadly.
People exposed to toxic air pollutants at sufficient concentrations and durations may have an
increased chance of getting cancer or experiencing other serious health problems. However, in
general, it is believed that the long term risk from toxic air pollutants from forest fire smoke is
very low. Some components of smoke, such as many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
are carcinogenic. Probably the most carcinogenic is benzo-a-pyrene (BaP), which has been
demonstrated to increase in toxicity when mixed with carbon particulate. Other components,
such as the aldehydes, are acute irritants. Three air toxics are of most concern from wildfires:
1. Acrolein. An aldehyde with a piercing, choking odor. Even at low levels, acrolein can
severely irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include stinging and
tearing eyes, nausea and vomiting.
2. Formaldehyde. Low level exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
Higher levels cause irritation to spread to the lower respiratory tract. Long-term exposure
is associated with nasal and nasopharyngeal cancer.
3. Benzene. Benzene causes headaches, dizziness, nausea and breathing difficulties, and
is a very potent carcinogen. Benzene causes anemia, liver and kidney damage, and
cancer.
Not everyone who is exposed to thick smoke will have health problems. Level, extent and
duration of exposure, age, individual susceptibility and other factors play a significant role in
determining whether or not someone will experience smoke-related health problems.

Sensitive populations
Most healthy adults will recover quickly from smoke exposures and will not suffer long-term consequences.
However, certain sensitive populations may experience more severe acute and chronic symptoms from
smoke exposure. Much of the information about how particulate effects these groups has come from studies
done on urban particulate. More research is needed (and some of it is underway) to determine if particulate
from wildfires affects these groups differently.
Individuals with asthma, and other respiratory diseases. Levels of pollutants which may not
interfere with normal breathing affect people with asthma in more profound ways, causing greater
inflammation or constriction of airways. Asthma, derived from the ancient Greek word for panting, is a
chronic condition in which the airways temporarily become impeded, causing labored breathing, wheezing or
coughing. During an asthma attack, the muscles tighten around the airways, constricting the free exchange
of air. The lining of the airways becomes inflamed and swollen. Childrens airways are narrower than those
of adults, thus irritation that would produce only a slight response in an adult can result in significant
obstruction in the airways of a young child. Older people with asthma experience higher mortality rates from
asthma than other age groups.
Individuals with cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases include many ailments, such as
hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, angina pectoris, heart attacks and strokes. It is the leading
cause of death in the United States, responsible for about 42% of all deaths each year. The vast majority of
those deaths are in people over the age of 65. Studies have linked particulate pollution to increased heart
attacks and symptoms in those with cardiovascular disease. The exact toxicological mechanisms are not well
understood, but studies show that particulate matter causes respiratory symptoms, changes in lung function,
alteration of mucociliary clearance and pulmonary inflammation that can lead to increased permeability of
the lungs. This, in turn, can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs. Mediators released during an
inflammatory response could increase the risk of blood clot formation and strokes. Other studies have shown
that the particles may trigger certain neurons in the respiratory tract, leading to effects on the nervous system.
The elderly. Studies estimate that tens of thousands of elderly people die prematurely each year
from exposure to particulate pollution. Part of that is due to the fact that the elderly are more likely to have
pre-existing lung and heart diseases. In addition, the elderly seem to be more affected than other age groups
because we lose important respiratory defense mechanisms as we age. Older individuals tend to have more
difficulty clearing particles from their lungs. As a result, pollutants to irritate the lungs for longer periods of
time and can cause more damage. In addition, particulate pollution can compromise the immune system,
increasing the susceptibility to bacterial or viral respiratory infections. This can lead to an increase incidence
of pneumonia and other complications among the elderly.
Children. Children, even those without any preexisting conditions, are considered a sensitive
population because their lungs are still developing, making them more susceptible to environmental threats
than healthy adults. Several factors lead to increased exposure in children: compared to adults, they tend to
spend more time outside; they engage in about three times the vigorous activity, and they breathe about 50%
more air per pound of body weight. Studies have shown that particulate pollution is associated with increased
respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function in children, including symptoms such as aggravated
coughing and difficulty or pain in breathing. These can result in school absences and limitation in normal
childhood activities.

Smokers. People who smoke have already compromised their lung function. Exposure to high
levels of particulate can exacerbate their condition, leading to chest pain, trouble breathing and other
respiratory symptoms more quickly than in non-smokers. As a way to put smoking in context, in a 10 by
13 room with an 8 ceiling, it takes only 10 minutes for the side stream smoke of 4 cigarettes to create
ambient levels of particulate in the hazardous ranges (644 ug/m3).

Characteristics of smoke
The behavior of smoke depends on many factors, including the fires size, the fires location, the topography
of the area and the weather. In mountainous terrain, where inversions are common, smoke often fills the
valleys, where, incidentally, people usually live. Smoke levels can be very hard to predict: a wind that
usually clears out a valley, may simply blow more smoke in, or may fan the fires causing a worse episode the
next day. Smoke concentrations tend to change constantly. (By the time you issue a warning, the smoke
may have cleared out.) National Weather Service satellite photos, weather and wind forecasts, and
knowledge of the area can all help in predicting how much smoke will come into an area, but predictions are
rarely accurate for more than a few hours out. The National Weather Services website has a lot of
information, including satellite photos that are updated throughout the day. For the western United States,
the web address is www.wrh.noaa.gov.

Judging particulate levels in smoke

Communities that have established air quality programs and alert systems traditionally base their
advisements to the public on the 24 or 8 hour averages of particulate. However, it makes sense to
approach smoke emergencies differently, for a couple of reasons. Smoke concentrations tend to be
very high for a few hours, and then drop off dramatically. But, research has shown that the spikes
may be what cause some of the most deleterious effects. In addition, the particulate from smoke is
very small, and has more of an impact than PM10, which is what most emergency plans are based
upon. Another factor is public perception. Since smoke is such a good scatterer of light, visibility
changes drastically as smoke concentrations increase. Even without being told, the public can tell
when the smoke is getting worse, and they want authorities to respond to those changes as they are
happening, instead of when they have been going on for eight hours, or when they are over.
Many places dont have real-time particulate monitors to help determine how thick the smoke is.
(Real time monitors give an instant (and continuous) reading of particulate concentrations.)
However, visibility can serve as a good surrogate. Even in areas with monitors, this index is useful,
since smoke levels are ever-changing, giving the public a way to judge the smoke levels for
themselves on a continual basis.

Categories

Visibility in Miles

Particulate levels
(averaged 1 hour, ug/m3)

Good

10 miles and up

0 - 40

Moderate

6 to 9

41 - 80

Unhealthy for Sensitive

Groups

3 to 5

81 - 175

Unhealthy

1 1/2 to 2 1/2

176 - 300

Very Unhealthy

1 to 1 1/4

301 - 500

Hazardous

3/4 mile or less

over 500

Procedure for Making Personal Observation to Determine Smoke Concentrations

Face away from the sun

Determine the limit of your visibility range by looking for targets at known distances
(miles). Visible range is that point at which even the high contrast objects totally disappear
After determining visibility in miles, use the chart to determine health effect and appropriate
cautionary statement.

At times, even the visibility index may be hard to use, especially if specific landmarks of known
distance are not available for judging distances. In such cases, individuals may have to rely on
common sense in assessing smoke conditions (e.g., mild, moderate, heavy smoke) and the kinds of
protective actions that might be necessary.
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Recommendations for the public

The following table provides a general list of probable health effects at each level, and associated
recommended cautionary statements. It is based on the EPAs Air Pollution Index, as well as
some work done in Montana and Washington.

Categories

Health Effect

Cautionary Statement

Good

None

None

Moderate

Possibility of aggravation of heart or

respiratory disease.

Unhealthy for Increasing likelihood of respiratory

Sensitive Groups symptoms and aggravation of lung
disease such as asthma.
Unhealthy

Increased respiratory symptoms and

aggravation of lung and heart diseases;
possible respiratory effects to general
population.

Very Unhealthy Significant increase in respiratory

symptoms and aggravation of existing
lung and heart disease; increasing
likelihood of respiratory effects of
general population.
Hazardous

People with heart or lung disease

should pay attention to symptoms.

People with respiratory or heart

disease, the elderly and children
should limit prolonged exertion and
stay indoors when possible.
People with respiratory or heart
disease, the elderly and children
should avoid prolonged exertion
and stay indoors when possible;
everyone else should limit
prolonged exertion.
People with respiratory or heart
disease, the elderly and children
should avoid any outdoor activity;
everyone else should avoid any
outdoor exertion.

Everyone should avoid any indoor

Serious aggravation of heart or lung
and outdoor exertion; everyone
disease and premature mortality in
persons with cardiopulmonary disease should remain indoors whenever
and the elderly; serious risk of
possible.
respiratory effects in general population.

Specific strategies
Staying Indoors
The most common advisory issued during a smoke
pollution episode is to stay indoors. The usefulness of
this strategy depends entirely on how clean the indoor
air is. Studies (almost none of which were conducted
during forest fire smoke episodes) indicate that this
strategy can usually provide some protection, especially
in a tightly closed, air conditioned house. Staying
inside can usually reduce ambient air pollution by about
a third. In non-air conditioned homes anywhere from
70 to 100% of fine particulate will penetrate indoors
from the outside air. In very leaky homes and
buildings, the guidance of staying inside with doors and
windows closed may offer little protection. Certainly, if
doors and windows are left open, indoor and outdoor air
will be about the same.
One of the biggest problems with advising people to stay inside during smoke events is the risk of
heat stress. The fire season is often accompanied by high outside temperatures and for those people
who depend upon open windows and doors for ventilation, keeping windows and doors closed can
be a problem. Older individuals and others in frail health run the risk of heat exhaustion or heat
stroke which could have dire consequences. If outside temperatures are very high, it would be
prudent to advise those without air conditioning to seek shelter in a clean air sanctuary. These are
discussed later in this guide.
Smoke events can last several weeks or months. These longer events are usually punctuated by
times with relatively clean air. When air quality improves, even temporarily, residents should air
out their homes to reduce indoor air pollution.

Air conditioners
Little is known about the impact of using various types of air conditioners and air filters on indoor
air pollutant concentrations. The conventional wisdom is that air conditioners reduce the amount of
outside particulate to get indoors, if for no other reason than air conditioned homes usually have
lower air exchange rates than homes that use open windows for ventilation. Some air conditioners
can be fitted with HEPA filters (stands for High Efficiency Particulate ) These filters can capture
most of the tiny particles associated with smoke and can further reduce the amount of outside air
pollution that gets indoors.
(Continued)
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Specific strategies
Air cleaners
Air cleaners can be effective at reducing indoor particulate levels, provided the specific cleaner
is adequately matched to the indoor environment in which it is placed. However, they tend to be
expensive. Air cleaners can be either a portable unit to clean a single room ($50 - $300) or a
larger central air cleaner to clean the whole house ($300 - $1000+). Most air cleaners are not
effective at removing gases and odors. The two basic types of air cleaners for particle removal
are:
(a) Mechanical cleaners, which contain a fiber or fabric filter. The filters need to be
sealed tightly in their holders, and cleaned or replaced regularly.
(b) Electronic air cleaners, such as electrostatic precipitators (ESP) and ionizers. ESPs
use a small electrical charge to collect particles from air pulled through the device.
Ionizers, or negative ion generators, cause particles to stick to materials (such as carpet
and walls) near the device. Electronic air cleaners usually produce small amounts of
ozone as a byproduct.
The effectiveness of an air cleaner is usually reported in terms of efficiency, which can be
misleading, as it only tells half of the story. The other important factor is air flow. Together,
these two factors equal the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which is a better measure of how a
device will actually perform. For example, 99.99% efficiency sounds great, if the flow is only
20 cfm, one would be better off at 90% efficiency and 100 cfm (CADR: 20 vs 90 cfm).
Room units should be sized to supply at least two or three times the room volume per hour.
Most portable units will state on the package the units air flow rate, the size room it cleans and
perhaps its particle removal efficiency and its CADR. Central system air units should handle at
least 0.5 air changes per hour, the air exchange rate necessary to reasonably ventilate a house
continuously under most conditions.
For central air conditioning systems, electrostatic precipitators, high efficiency media filters and
medium-efficiency media filters can be added so that the particle level in the indoor air can be
kept within acceptable levels during a prolonged smoke event. However, these filters create
more air resistance in the system, and may not be able to be used without modifications to the
system.
Devices that remove gases and odors are relatively costly, both to purchase and maintain. They
force air through materials such as activated charcoal or alumina coated with potassium
permanganate. However, the filtering medium can become quickly overloaded and may need to
be replaced often.

(Continued)
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Specific strategies
Some devices, known as ozone generators, personal ozone devices, energized oxygen
generators, and pure air generators, are sold as air cleaners, but they probably do more harm
than good. These devices intentionally produce ozone gas to react with pollutants in the air.
Ozone is composed of three atoms of oxygen. The third atom can detach from the molecule and
reattach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition. It is this
ability to react with other substances that forms the basis of manufacturers claims. However,
the EPA has found that ozone is generally ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution at
concentrations that do not greatly exceed public health standards. In addition, ozone does not
remove particles from the air, so would not be effective during smoke events. (Some ozone
generators include an ion generator to remove particles, but it would be far safer to buy the
ionizer by itself.)
Ozone, whether in its pure form or mixed with other chemicals, can be harmful to health. When
inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain,
coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic respiratory
diseases such as asthma, as well as compromise the bodys ability to fight respiratory infections.
As a result, using an ozone generator during a smoke event may actually increase the adverse
health effects from the smoke. For more information about ozone generators that are sold as air
cleaners, see www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html.

Humidifiers are not technically air cleaners, and

will not significantly reduce the amount of
particulate in the air during a smoke event.
Neither will they removed gases like carbon
monoxide. However, humidifiers and
dehumidifers (depending on the environment)
may slightly reduce pollutants through
condensation, absorption and other
mechanisms. The greater benefit of running a
humidifier in an arid environment during a
smoke event would be to reduce stress on the
respiratory system, by keeping the mucus
membranes moist.
For more information about residential air
cleaners, see
www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html.

(Continued)

Specific strategies
In vehicles
Individuals can reduce the amount of particulate in their vehicles by keeping the windows
closed. However, cars heat up very quickly in warm weather, and heat stress can be an issue.
Children and pets should never be left in a vehicle with the windows closed. The cars
ventilation systems typically removes a portion of the particulate coming in from outside. For
best results, most cars have the ability to recirculate the inside air, which will help keep the
particulate levels lower.

Reduced activity
Reduction of physical activity reduces the dose of inhaled air
pollutants, and may reduce the risk of health impacts during a
smoke event. During exercise, people may increase their air
intake as much as ten times their resting level. An endurance
athlete can process as much as twenty times the normal
intake. This brings more pollution deep into the lungs. While
exercising, people tend to breathe through their mouths,
bypassing the natural filtering ability of the nasal passages:
again, delivering more pollution to the lungs. They also tend
to breathe more deeply, causing the particulate to lodge
deeper into the lungs where it can cause more damage.

Other sources of air pollution

Many indoor sources of air pollution can emit large
amounts of the same pollutants present in forest fire
smoke. Indoor sources such as cigarette smoke, gas,
propane and woodburning stoves and furnaces, and
activities such as cooking, burning candles and
incense, and vacuuming can greatly increase the
particulate levels in a home. Some of these sources
can also increase the levels of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide and nitrogen
oxides. Besides cigarette smoke, combustion sources
that do not vent to the outdoors contribute most to
indoor pollutant levels and are of greatest concern. On
average, reducing indoor air emissions as much as
possible during smoke events may reduce indoor
particulate levels by one quarter to one third or more,
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and levels of PAHs, VOCs and other pollutants by

an even greater amount. These reductions can help
compensate for the increased loading from the outdoor air.
(Continued)

Specific strategies
Masks
In order for a mask to provide protection during a smoke event, it must be able to filter very small
particles (around 0.3 to 0.1 microns) and it must fit, providing an airtight seal around the wearers face.
Commonly available paper dust masks, which are designed to filter out larger particles such as dust
created by sanding, typically offer little protection. The same is true for bandanas (wet or dry) and
tissues held over the mouth and nose. In fact, they may actually be detrimental, giving the wearers a
false sense of security and encouraging them to increase their physical activity and time outdoors.
Surgical masks that trap smaller particles are also available, but these masks are designed to filter air
coming out of the wearers mouth, and do not provide a good seal. As a result, these tend to be no
better than dust masks.
Some masks (technically called respirators, but they look more like paper masks) are good enough to
filter out 95% of the particulate that is 0.3 microns and larger. Smoke particulate averages about 0.3
microns, so these masks will filter out a significant portion of the smoke if they are properly fit to the
wearers face. These masks, which may include an exhale valve, do not require cartridge filters. They
are marked with one of the following: R95, N95 or P95. Soft masks with higher ratings (R, N or
P 99 and R,N, or P100) are also available and will filter out even more particulate.
Respirators with purple HEPA (pronounced hee-pa and stands for high efficiency particulate air) filters
offer the highest protection, but may be less comfortable and slightly more expensive than the flexible
masks. Again, unless there is an airtight seal over the wearers face, it will provide little protection.
There are several drawbacks to recommending widespread mask use in an area affected by wildfire
smoke. Most people wont use the masks correctly and wont understand the importance of having an
airtight seal. For instance, it is impossible to get a good seal on individuals with beards. In addition,
masks arent designed for use by the general population (including children.) As a result, the masks
will provide little if any protection. In addition, they may give the wearers a false sense of protection,
leading them to ignore other recommendations, like reducing physical activity, which could actually
increase their exposure.
Masks are uncomfortable (they are less uncomfortable when they are leaky but then they do not
provide protection.) They increase resistance to air flow. This makes breathing more difficult and
leads to physiological stresses, such as increased respiratory and heart rates. Masks can also contribute
to heat stress. Because of this, mask use by those with cardiopulmonary and respiratory diseases can
be dangerous, and should only be done under a doctors supervision. Even healthy adults may find
that the increased effort required for breathing makes it uncomfortable to wear a mask for more than
short periods of time. Breathing resistance increases with respirator efficiency. Most healthy adults
can use a 95% efficient respirator without undue breathing resistance. At higher efficiencies, breathing
resistance will increase and the user will experience more discomfort.
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Another problem with masks is that most of them will not reduce CO.
(Continued)

Specific strategies
There are some instances where recommending mask use can be beneficial. For outdoor workers,
or others that will be outside regardless of the smoke, masks (as long as they fit properly) can afford
some protection. In cases where people are generally staying indoors, wearing a mask to go outside
briefly might be useful. Masks can also be useful in conjunction with other methods of exposure
reduction like staying indoors, reducing activity and using HEPA air cleaners, to reduce overall
smoke exposure.

Clean Air Shelters

In many places, staying inside may not adequately protect susceptible individuals. Many homes do
not have air conditioning, and depend on open windows and doors for cooling. Other homes may
be so leaky, that the pollution levels will soon equal that of outside air. During severe smoke
events, clean air shelters can be designated to provide residents with a place to get out of the smoke.
These can be located in large commercial buildings, educational facilities, shopping malls or
anyplace with effective air conditioning and particle filtration.

Closures
The decision to close or curtail business activities will depend upon predicted smoke levels,
environmental and socioeconomic factors and other local conditions. It could be that exposure
inside schools and businesses may be similar to or better than those in homes. Childrens physical
activity may also be better controlled in schools than in homes, making school closings a poor
choice. In many areas it will not be practical to close businesses and schools, but partial closures
may be beneficial. Closures and cancellations can target specific groups (like the sensitive
populations) or specific, high risk activities, like outdoor sporting events and practices. Curtailing
outside activities can reduce exposures by encouraging people to stay inside and reduce physical
activity. The decision to restrict industrial emissions should be based
on the local air pollution situation and the emission characteristics of
particular industries. Curtailment may not be beneficial if eliminating
industrial emissions will not noticeably reduce the air pollution load.

Evacuation
The most common call for evacuation during a wildfire is due to the
direct threat of the fire instead of smoke. Leaving the area of thick
smoke may be a good protective measure for members of sensitive
groups, but it is often difficult to predict the duration, intensity and
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direction of smoke, making this an unattractive option to many people. For fires that go on for
weeks, evacuation may not be possible for a large percentage of the population.

Bibliography
Coefield, John and Cyra Cain. 2001. Forest Fire Smoke Categories. Montana Department of Environmental Quality, PO Box
200901, Helena, MT 59620.
Brauer, Michael. 1999. Health Impacts of Biomass Air Pollution. World Health Organization. Background papers for Health
Guidelines for Vegetation Fire Events, Lima, Peru, 6-9 October 1998. Available at www.firesmokehealth.org.
Jenkins, Peggy and Scott Fruin. 2000. Shelter in Place with Windows and Doors Closed from the Summary of Forest
Fire/Prescribed Burning Smoke Meeting. Oakland, California. Available at www.firesmokehealth.org.
Jenkins, Peggy and Tom Phillips. 2000. Reduce the Use of Indoor Sources from the Summary of Forest Fire/Prescribed Burning
Smoke Meeting. Oakland, California. Available at www.firesmokehealth.org.
Natural Resources Defense Council. 1996. Clean Air and Energy: Air Pollution, Frequently Asked Questions: Particulate
Pollution. Based on Breath-Taking: Premature Mortality Due to Particulate Air Pollution in 239 American Cities. Natural
Resources Defense Council, 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011. Available at www.nrdc.org/air/pollution/qbreath.asp
Ostermann, Kathryn and Micheal Brauer. Chapter 10: Air Quality During Haze Episodes and Its Impact on Health. Available at
www.firesmokehealth.org.
Physicians for Social Responsibility. 1997. Asthma and the Role of Air Pollution: What the Primary Care Physician Should Know.
PSR, 1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 1012, Washington, D.C. 20009. Available at www.psr.org/!finalas.pdf
Smith, Andy. 1999. Handling Air Pollution Episodes: Lessons learned from Big Bar Complex Wildfire. Available at
www.firesmokehealth.org.
US Environmental Protection Agency. 2001. Ozone Generators That are Sold as Air Cleaners: An Assessment of Effectiveness and
Health Consequences. Available at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html.
US Environmental Protection Agency. 1997. Health and Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter. Office of Air and Radiation,
Washington, DC, 20460. Available at www.epa.gov/rgytgrnj/programs/artd/air/quality/pmhealth.htm
US Environmental Protection Agency. 1990. Residential Air Cleaning Devices: A summary of available information. Office of Air
and Radiation, Washington, DC, 20460. EPA 400/1-90-002. Available at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html.
Waldman, Jed. 2000. Use of Air Cleaners in Homes, Schools and Worksites in the Summary of Forest Fire/Prescribed Burning
Smoke Meeting. Oakland, California. Available at www.firesmokehealth.org.

Resources
Montana Department of Environmental Quality: www.deq.state.mt.us/FireUpdates/index.asp
EPA/University of Washington Fire, Smoke and Health Website: www.firesmokehealth.org
National Fire Weather: www.boi.noaa.gov/firewx.htm
National Weather Service: www.wrh.noaa.gov
National Wildland Fire Information: www.nifc.gov/information.html
Forest Service Wildland Fire Morning Report: www.fs.fed.us/news/fire/mornrpt.html
Current Map of Large Fires: wildfire/usgs.gov/website/fireinfo
Satellite Images of Fires: www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires
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Compiled by Shannon Therriault, R.S., Air Quality Specialist

Missoula City-County Health Department, 301 West Alder, Missoula, MT 59802. (406) 523-4755.
[email protected]
This document is a work-in-progress. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

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