Wildfire Smoke Ready Week spreads awareness

MONTANA — Wildfire Smoke Ready Week in Montana is focused on helping people protect themselves from harmful particles that can linger in smoky air.

Amy Cilimburg, executive director of Climate Smart Missoula, said one of the biggest concerns is PM2.5 pollution.

“It gets into the vestiges of your lungs and actually can cross into your bloodstream. It can cross the blood brain barrier. It can cause an inflammatory response. People are more immuno-compromised if they've been breathing a lot of smoke, so it really does affect everyone,” said Amy Cilimburg.

Those particles are less than two-and-a-half micrometers, making them much smaller than a human hair.

Kerri Mueller, an air quality specialist with Missoula Public Health, explained that size makes the particles harder to remove with standard filters.

“These tiny smoke particles, PM2.5, are really difficult to filter out with just a regular filter, but a Hepa filter can actually remove those from the air. And that's why it's important to get a HEPA filter or do a DIY box fan with a MERV 13 or higher rated filter,” said Kerri Mueller.

Mueller also said some programs in parts of Montana help to lower the cost of air cleaners. She pointed to a Northwestern Energy rebate that offers $100 back for certain models.

Cilimburg said people should still take smoke seriously even when it is not obvious indoors.

“The stuff that is dangerous from wildfire smoke, the PM2.5, you're not going to see it. And it may appear that your home is clean, but rest assured that smoke is finding its way inside,” said Amy Cilimburg.

People looking for more information can use montanawildfiresmoke.org, which includes details about smoke safety and statewide air quality monitors.