As smoke from wildfires in Canada affected air quality in many cities across the United States, online commenters discussed how to stay safe. People reported experiencing headaches, eye irritation, and breathing problems from smoke, especially while exercising or working outdoors. Some questioned how cautious they need to be and whether it is safe to go outside without a mask, take children outdoors, or run air conditioners when air quality is poor. Additionally, several users discussed how air quality may affect fertility, referencing a May study finding that poor air quality associated with wildfire smoke reduced IVF success.
Recommendation
Online conversations about staying safe when air quality is poor highlight gaps in understanding and the need for clear, practical guidelines. Communicators may explain that the CDC recommends regularly checking air quality at www.airnow.gov and following local public health guidance, including advisories to stay indoors when possible. Messaging may emphasize that exposure to wildfire smoke can cause eye and respiratory irritation, difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing, and that children, pregnant people, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are at higher risk. Communicators may also share tips for reducing exposure, including staying indoors in a room with proper air filtration and wearing a well-fitted respirator, such as an N95 or P100, if going outdoors is necessary.
Fact-checking sources: CDC, NPR
Communication resources: Find more talking points and resources on environmental health and share this PDF on air quality
