These wildfires release various pollutants like particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, significantly impacting air quality and human health. It’s is even more concerning that this kind of smoke can travel hundreds or thousands of miles.

Particulate matter consists of sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water, they can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease. NOx and VOCs can react in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, another harmful pollutant that worsens respiratory problems and reduces lung function.

The impact of wildfires on air quality varies based on factors like fire location, fuel type, and weather conditions. Generally, wildfires result in considerable outdoor and indoor air pollution, especially in areas downwind of the fire. In addition to outdoor air quality, we must also prioritize monitoring indoor spaces. Fire smoke can effortlessly penetrate our closed homes, where we often seek refuge from the sun and intense heat. Keeping an eye on indoor air quality is equally vital to ensure our well-being.

The importance of air quality monitoring during summer wildfires cannot be overstated. Air quality monitoring can help to identify areas that are affected by wildfire smoke and to alert people to the potential health risks. It can also help to track the movement of wildfire smoke and to predict when air quality will improve.

Air quality monitoring can be done in various ways. Air quality monitors like Sensees Environment are commonly used to measure various outdoor air quality parameters like different PM particle sizes, gasees, and  a vide spectrum of other environmental parameters such as temperature, wind, humidity and many more. Satellite imagery is another effective method, detecting and tracking wildfire smoke over time, keeping people informed about air quality in their areas.