Wildfire Smoke Likely Pollutes Most Homes as Chicago Air Alerts Extend Into Weekend
Updated
Updated · NBC Chicago · Jul 17
Wildfire Smoke Likely Pollutes Most Homes as Chicago Air Alerts Extend Into Weekend
3 articles · Updated · NBC Chicago · Jul 17
Summary
Most homes in the Chicago area likely already contain wildfire smoke or fine particulates, experts said, even when residents cannot smell or see them.
Hazardous outdoor air is seeping indoors through windows, doors, exhaust fans and HVAC systems, and officials warned the smoke could return for multiple days and worsen indoor conditions.
Microscopic particles can irritate eyes and airways, trigger bronchitis, aggravate chronic heart and lung disease, and are linked to premature deaths in vulnerable people, the EPA said.
MERV 13 filters, recirculating HVAC settings and tightly sealed air conditioners can reduce exposure, while bathroom fans, kitchen fans and some portable or window AC units may pull more smoke inside.
Weeks after outdoor smoke clears, soot and ash can still linger indoors, leaving home air quality degraded beyond the immediate alert period.