How To Protect Your Tenants From Smokey Environments Caused by Wildfires
How To Protect Your Tenants From Smokey Environments Caused by Wildfires
ACC Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Over the last few years California has been increasingly devastated by wildfires with 2018 being the largest wildfire season on record in the State. The poor air quality outside has kept people indoors but it is also important to ensure that the Indoor Air Quality in your building is safe.
How do wildfires affect the Indoor Air Quality of my building?
Wildfire smoke is primarily made up of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. Particulate matter is typically the major pollutant of concern from wildfire smoke, as the particulate from smoke tends to be very small. This fine particulate matter are respiratory irritants and in high concentrations can cause persistent coughing, production of phlegm wheezing and physical discomfort in breathing. Persons with compromised respiratory, cardiovascular and immune systems tend to be more seriously affected, triggering asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung functions.
Secondary concerns are volatile organic compounds (VOC) that are present in the smoke from byproducts of combustion. These compounds, most commonly, acrolein and benzene, are also irritants, which can produce respiratory symptoms as well as other symptoms, such as, stinging or tearing eyes and nausea.
What steps should you take to prevent the outdoor smoke from getting inside?
The immediate response to wildfire smoke is to minimize the amount of outside air (thus particulate and other compounds of concern) from entering the building, which is done primarily through controlling HVAC systems.
Follow these key steps:
Close fresh air intake and seal with tape and plastic sheeting, until fire situation has stabilized and air quality is considered safe.
Replace all HVAC filters. Install charcoal filters or use charcoal pre-filters, when available.
Install sticky walk-off mats at all egress locations and change them frequently to help control tracking dust from outside.
For non-mechanically ventilated spaces keep all doors and windows closed until the fire situation has stabilized and air quality is considered safe.
Who is most vulnerable in smoky conditions?
Not everyone who is exposed to wildfire smoke will exhibit respiratory symptoms. 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. However, as indicated in the answer to question #1, persons with compromised respiratory, cardiovascular and immune systems tend to be more seriously affected, triggering asthma, bronchitis and reduced lung functions. Air quality warnings and recommendations should be followed.
What precautions should be taken/ guidelines should be followed to protect yourself as well as these high-risk individuals?
If the local air quality district issues warnings and recommendations to stay indoors, these instructions should be followed. The local air quality district may also recommends wearing a respirator rated for fine particles when outdoors, but this may require medical approval and proper fit testing and training.
Project Example and Lessons Learned
In 2017, the Los Angeles area was struck by major wildfires that impacted multiple properties belonging to one of our clients. At the time, we immediately mobilized to the impacted properties to perform visual inspections for site conditions, which included inspecting the interior and exterior of the buildings for the presence of ash; inspecting the HVAC system (along with the HVAC contractors, to ensure the units were sealed up properly and filters were replaced); and sampling the indoor air for the presence of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, VOCs, and particulate matter.
We generated a detailed initial response document for our client, which included specific instructions of activities to follow in order to protect the buildings, prior to and following a wildfire.
Have questions on Indoor Air Quality and Smoke Safety? Contact:
ACC Environmental Consultants, Inc.
1055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1450
Los Angeles, CA 90017
proposal@accenv.com/ (213) 353-1240
For more information on wildfire safety visit: