Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters

Programs that provide access to facilities where people contending with unhealthy outdoor air during a wildfire or other similar event can spend time in filtered air. Desirable facilities are those with tight sealing windows, doors and public access and a ventilation system that is able to significantly reduce or eliminate intake of outdoor air. Depending on wind patterns, even cities far away from a fire may be affected. Particulate matter exposure is the principal public health threat from short-term exposures to wildfire smoke. The effects of smoke range from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious disorders, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death.