How Wildfires Affect IAQ
When controlled, wildfires are nature’s way of protecting itself from loss of soil nutrients and other vital resources. Small blazes can destroy disease and remove debris that could ignite larger, more dangerous fires. Other benefits of wildfires are that they open up forest congestion and create new habitats benefiting many plants and animals. However, if not contained, wildfires can be catastrophic. Beyond property destruction and the obvious loss of human, animal, and plant life, uncontrolled fires can contaminate drinking water, destroy needed timber and soil structure, and pollute the atmosphere, including indoor air.
According to National Geographic, the average number of forestry acres consumed by wildfires has increased by 1,000 percent over the last 40 years. In 2024 alone, there were more than 61,000 fires that burned over 850 million acres of land. Smoke dispersion allows the polluted air to travel hundreds, even thousands, of miles from the source.

Negative Health Impacts
Wildfire smoke is made up of a complex mixture of fine particles (aka: particulate matter), gases, and water vapor, with other elements such as carbon dioxide and monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and various VOCs generated from the burning of wood and other organic materials. These smoke particles can enter homes and buildings through cracks, ventilation systems, and other small openings, creating an unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ).
Wildfire smoke can cause myriad health issues. The microscopic specs of particulate matter can get into your eyes and respiratory system – whether you are outdoors or in – and can cause health complications such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles can also aggravate existing heart and lung diseases – and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.
According to the EPA, health effects attributed to wildfire smoke exposure include:
- Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, mucus, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
- Eye and throat irritation
- Headaches and nausea
- Fatigue
- Respiratory tract illnesses such as bronchitis, reduced lung function, exacerbation of asthma and other lung diseases
- Increased risk of hospital visits
- Cardiovascular effects such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and stroke
- Increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and premature death
Indoor Wildfire Smoke Pollution Mitigation
While the average home and business owner has no control over the occurrence of wildfires, there are steps one can take to ensure the air being breathed is clean and fresh.
The EPA suggests the following:
- Monitor local air quality reports and stay informed about smoke levels
- Protect your home by sealing any gaps or cracks around windows and doors
- Limit your outdoor activity when air quality is poor
- Clean indoor surfaces regularly to remove ash and smoke particles
- Use high-efficiency HEPA filters in your HVAC system
- Utilize portable air-cleaning units to remove smoke and fine particulates from the air
At AIRSInc, we offer numerous options to remove indoor pollution created by wildfire smoke. Our air purifiers are specially designed to eliminate harmful particulates from your home and place of work so you can breathe fresh, clean air, both day and night.
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our indoor environmental specialists to find out which one of our air cleaning products is right for you.
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How Wildfire Smoke Affects Indoor Air Quality