As wildfires continue to burn across Oregon and smoke fills the air in many communities, people are looking for ways to help keep their families safe and healthy.
Wildfire smoke can be very dangerous. Tiny particles in the air can harm your lungs, cause coughing and wheezing, chest tightness, and irritated eyes or throat. Children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with asthma are especially at risk.
A guide from the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) shares expert advice to give clear, helpful tips about wearing masks as one way to help.
Stay inside when you can
The best protection from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors with clean air when possible. Keep doors and windows shut and seal any gaps around them. If you’ve got an air conditioner, use it on recirculate mode. Adding a portable air cleaner or upgrading HVAC filters to MERV 13 or higher helps, too. Avoid indoor smoke sources like wood stoves, candles, or frying food, which can add to the problem.
Choosing the right mask
When you have to go outside, the right masks may help. Use N95 respirators approved by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for the best protection from wildfire smoke.
For children:
- Younger children should only wear a mask with an adult present to ensure it is safely worn and not posing a choking hazard.
- Your child can use a mask safely when they are over age 2, are awake, and can tell you if they are uncomfortable with the mask on so it can be taken off.
- Children ages 7 and up can often find adult small N95s that fit well.
- For children ages 2-7, child-sized surgical masks may help, but fit is key–masks should cover the nose and mouth without gaps.
Know the air quality
Check Oregon’s Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading out. Websites like airnow.gov can help you understand what’s happening in your area. When AQI is above 151–“unhealthy for sensitive groups”–wear a good mask when outside, especially during a stretch of smoky days.
Be prepared
Although wildfires are more common during the summer months in Oregon, they can happen anytime. There are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Stock up early: Have enough masks, food, and medicines on hand.
- Practice wearing masks at home so children can get used to them.
- Keep a “clean room”: Set aside space with few windows or doors where indoor air stays cleaner.
- Evacuation plan: Know your route and talk it through with everyone, including tips on wearing masks and carrying items you need when you leave.
Mask myths
There is a lot of misinformation about masks out there. Here are some common myths and some good info provided by PEHSU:
Myth 1: “Any face covering helps against wildfire smoke.” Cloth face coverings or fabric masks do not filter out the tiny particles in wildfire smoke. Respirators like N95s are the most effective option.
Myth 2: “Kids don’t need masks – they breathe better than adults.” Children are actually more vulnerable because their lungs are still developing. Some kids can safely wear masks starting at age 2, depending on fit and comfort.
Myth 3: “If you wear a mask, it’s safe to play sports outside.” Masks reduce but do not eliminate smoke exposure. Kids should not engage in extra outdoor activity during smoke events, even with masks on.
Myth 4: “Any air purifier will work indoors.” Avoid o-zone generating air cleaners because they can actually make indoor air worse. Choose purifiers designed to filter harmful smoke particles.
Wildfire season is a challenge we face every year in Oregon. Staying informed, using the right masks, and supporting each other can help us all breathe easier as a community.