Texas wildfires threaten homes and lungs

Poor air quality is a dangerous
byproduct of wildfires.

Central Texas has been hit with out-of-control wildfires that are driven over the drought-battered land by strong winds, destroying hundreds of homes so far.

Firefighters have been battling the blazes non-stop since the beginning of the week.

At a news conference, Gov. Rick Perry described the disaster as "a monstrous storm of smoke and fire," adding that "this one is as mean-looking as I've ever seen."

Air quality suffers during and after wildfires

The scope of the damage may only become apparent over the next couple of days, but experts warn that there can be immediate and long-term health effects linked to wildfire smoke exposure.

While most people in the area will be most concerned about their homes and possessions at a time like this, it's important to keep health and well-being in mind, too.

“80% to 90% of wildfire smoke is made up of very fine particles that can stay suspended in the air for a long time and can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled,” says AllerAir’s Stephanie Bristow.

“Anytime there is an increase in this type of airborne particulate matter, studies have shown a link to numerous health problems including headaches, nausea, dizziness, respiratory problems, strokes and heart attacks.”

Homeowners in nearby regions should also take precautions. Smoke can travel far beyond the main burn zone and studies show that even a small increase in airborne fine particulate matter can affect overall health.

Remove wildfire smoke chemicals and particles with carbon + HEPA filters

Wildfire smoke travels far and wide and can easily enter homes and residences. Among the most vulnerable groups to wildfire smoke are children, seniors and those with sensitivities (chemicals and particles).

AllerAir's AirMedic+ Series
combines great particle filtration
with chemical and odor control.

AllerAir offers portable, powerful air purifiers with deep-bed activated carbon and HEPA that can remove a wide range of chemicals, odors, gases, fumes and particles from the ambient air.

Featured air purifiers for wildfire (and tobacco) smoke are:

• AirMedic+ Vocarb, featuring a medical-grade HEPA and a large activated carbon filter
• 5000 DS or 6000 DS, which have been designed for smoke and odor relief and feature special tar-trapping pre-filters, a deep bed of activated carbon and micro-HEPA filters for particle removal.

For more information and personalized recommendations, contact AllerAir today.

Related posts:

• Q&A: Air purifiers for wildfires
• Wildfires blaze in southern California (2008)