Since the beginning of the year, 1,083 fires have been detected across Europe, resulting in the emission of more than 7.01 million tonnes of CO₂. Significant wildfire activity has impacted France, Germany, Greece, Spain, and Portugal throughout the summer. According to the Fire Danger Forecast, most nations in central and western Europe are currently facing extreme fire danger, though the threat extends beyond these immediate areas as smoke can drift hundreds of kilometres into neighbouring regions.
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of hazardous pollutants including PM2.5, NO2, ozone, lead, and aromatic hydrocarbons. When fires consume residential buildings or homes, they can also release toxic chemicals derived from plastics, furniture, electronics, and paints. According to Colleen Reid from the University of Colorado Boulder, these particles, once inhaled, induce inflammation and oxidative stress. They can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, potentially impacting various organ systems.
How do I know if the air I breathe is unhealthy? Sometimes the air is bad enough to see or smell the smoke, but even when the pollution is not visible, it can still be unhealthy to breathe. The European Environment Agency maintains a map with up-to-date, regional air quality information. The Copernicus Earth Observation Programme also offers daily four-day forecasts regarding aerosols, pollutants, and pollen. Many smartphone weather applications now integrate this data. For indoor monitoring, Joseph Allen, director of Harvard University's Healthy Buildings Program, suggests that consumers purchase low-cost, indoor air quality monitors, which are now widely available.
If air quality levels become unhealthy, the primary recommendation is to remain indoors with windows and doors securely shut. If it is necessary to go outside, experts advise wearing a well-fitted KN95, KF94, or N95 mask. Jennifer Stowell, a research scientist at Boston University’s Center for Climate and Health, notes that an N95 mask can filter out 90-95% of harmful particles, with respirator-type attachments providing the highest level of protection.
To improve indoor air quality, residents should keep windows closed and operate air conditioning systems in recirculation mode. Draughts can be minimized by using towels or blankets to seal gaps under doors. Finally, swapping the unit's standard filter for a MERV 13 one can help, but make sure it's fitted correctly. If you happen to have access to an air purifier, even if it's just a room air purifier, try to keep it running in the room that you're doing most of your activities in.
Fires in one region can worsen air quality several hundred kilometres away, with smoke drifting into neighbouring cities across the border.Here's what to know about protecting yourself from poor air quality caused by wildfires.
They don’t cost all that much anymore,” he told the Associated Press.How can I protect myself if I need to go outside?“When wildfire smoke reaches unhealthy levels, stay indoors as much as possible, with doors and windows shut to keep the wildfire smoke out,” wrote Reid.
