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RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Clearing the Air on Wildfire Smoke Exposure Outdoor workers can be left vulnerable to wildfire smoke exposure unless action is taken to protect them. BY ALEXANDRIA SAURMAN Wildfires have hit North Amer- ica hard in recent years. The wildfires that struck Canada in the summer of 2023 are perhaps one of the most devastating recent examples. Of course, these disasters have many harsh effects, but the damage to air quality resulting from wildfire smoke is perhaps one of the most pervasive. On June 7, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that the Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures air pollution using a scale of 0, representing good air quality, to 500, representing hazardous air quality, had reached 484. New York and other areas, like Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadel- phia, issued air quality health advisories and alerts. In such situations, residents areoftenadvisedtostayindoorsandwear masks if they go outside. But what effects does wildfire smoke have on people, like outdoor workers, who are exposed to it? Though not much is known about the effects of wildfire smoke specifically on outdoor workers, those exposed to wild- fire smoke may experience eye irritation, coughing and pneumonia, per the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), or more severe side effects such as chest pain, heart attacks and lung com- plications, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Protecting Workers from Exposure Given the potential impact it can have, it is certainly in employers’ best interests to minimize workers’ exposure to wildfire smoke. Thankfully, NIOSH recommends a few key strategies that can guard out- door workers against the debilitating ef- fect of wildfire smoke exposure. ■ Monitor and consider relocation. When working outdoors, employers should monitor air quality regularly. If action is needed, workers could relocate to an area where smoke is less prevalent, or reschedule to accommodate smoky conditions. NIOSH suggests workers take frequent breaks in smoke-free areas. 8 When working outdoors is unavoidable, workers’ best protection might be an NIOSH-approved respirator, such as an N95 or P100. More than just masks, this specialized PPE filters out not only wildfire smoke but also ash and other particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5 particles). ■ Ensure proper respirator usage. Respirators can reduce exposure by at least 10 times, NIOSH says. However, it’s imperative they are used correctly. Respirators should form a tight seal to the face, with all straps properly positioned and the noseclip firmly affixed. Also, employees should be clean-shaven to allow for respirators to have the best fit. ■ Follow applicable regulations. Employers should follow an OSHA- compliant respiratory protection program. Likewise, state regulations—especially in California, Oregon and Washington— can provide guidance on wildfire smoke exposure. Finally, workers should be trained on respirator selection and use. The AQI’s Role in Outdoor Work While broader protections should be in place, workers can take proactive steps to combat hazardous air quality caused by wildfire smoke. In fact, the National Council of Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) recommends two steps workers can take to ensure their safety Pong ChShutterstock.com around such conditions: watch the AQI and based on the reading, “advocate with youremployerforproperprotections.” The AQI is broken up into six cat- egories that include AQI range, health concern and color from Green to Purple. When the AQI falls in a specific category, general actions—not specifically for work- ers and employers—that should be con- sidered, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, include: ■ Green: No need to take action ■ Yellow: Unless you’re “unusually sensitive,” no need to take action ■ Orange: Taking extra precautions and staying alert for those who are sensitive or have asthma or heart disease ■ Red: Shortening outdoor activity time, lowering physical demands and resting. For people who are sensitive, continue the activity indoors or delay it. ■ Purple: Shorten or delay the activity or go indoors. Sensitive people should “avoid all physical activity outdoors.” ■ Maroon: Staying inside and not performing physical outdoor activities. To check the AQI in your area, visit airnow.com. Alex Saurman is a former content editor for Occupational Health & Safety, who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s edito- rial team and contributes to the magazine. www.ohsonline.com ■ Use NIOSH-approved respirators. Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023