Sign up to receive Air Quality Action Alerts which alert you to high levels of ozone or other pollutants, indicating that current air quality is unhealthy and conditions are expected to worsen.
Air Quality Concerns Related to Smoke
What are the concerns with wildfire smoke?
- Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles that can cause a number of breathing and respiratory issues.
- The primary concern with wildfire smoke is fine particulates
Are N95 masks effective at protecting me from smoke?
- The best solution is to remain indoors and provide high-efficiency air filtration, but if you must be outside a tightly fitting N95 or P100 respirator can provide some benefit.
Who is sensitive to wildfire smoke?
- People with lung disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or current or recent respiratory infections.
- People older than 65 due to increased risk of lung disease or younger than 18 with lungs still developing.
- People who smoke.
- Outdoor workers with higher exposures.
What should I do to protect myself from smoke?
- Stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed.
- Relocate to areas less impacted by smoke.
- Use air conditioning to keep cool and filter air.
- Put HVAC systems into recirculate mode to reduce bringing in additional smoke.
- Use a portable air cleaner set to the highest speed to filter indoor air.
- If you do not have a portable air cleaner, you may build a DIY version based on a box fan and furnace filters - DIY Ecology: Breathe better by easily making a clean air fan
- Como hacer su propio filtro de aire limpio
- Avoid strenuous activities to reduce breathing in smoke.
- If you must be outside, an N95 mask or P100 respirator that fits tightly may provide some benefit.
- If driving during a smoke event, use the Recirculate Air button in your car.
What if I don’t have air conditioning and it’s too hot to keep doors and windows closed?
- Put HVAC systems into recirculate mode to reduce bringing in additional smoke.
- Use a portable air cleaner set to the highest speed to filter indoor air.
- If you do not have a portable air cleaner, you may build a DIY version based on a box fan and furnace filters - DIY Ecology: Breathe better by easily making a clean air fan
- Como hacer su propio filtro de aire limpio
What can commercial buildings do to improve indoor air quality?
- Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
- Run HVAC systems on recirculate mode and limit intake of fresh air into the building.
- Upgrade filters on HVAC systems to higher efficiency models, MERV 13 or higher.
- Consider using low-cost sensors to monitor indoor particulate matter to measure the effectiveness of filters and HVAC systems.
Where can I get information on smoke levels in my area?
- The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map shows the areas impacted by smoke as well as current particulate levels based on air quality monitors in the area.
- Fire and Smoke Map
Air Quality Services:
- Performing ambient air monitoring for carbon monoxide, ozone, particulates-PM10 and PM 2.5
- Inspecting minor stationary sources permitted through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division
- Performing CFC compliance inspections
- Issuing open burn permits
- Investigating air quality complaints
Please Note:
- The Larimer County Department of Health & Environment does not inspect, test, or enforce indoor air quality (including mold) or living condition issues for rental or privately owned properties. If you are renting within the city of Fort Collins and have concerns about your indoor environment or living conditions, visit the City of Fort Collins to learn more
- We are not directly involved with the Mobile Emissions Program which regulates automobile emissions and other transportation issues. Indoor Air Quality is not regulated in private residences.
For businesses that might need air quality permits, visit the State Department of Public Health Small Business Assistance Program.