If you are on the West Coast right now you are likely feeling the effects of the fires in one way or another. If you are online and reading this, maybe you are one of the lucky ones who did not lose their home, car and all their belongings.
I am writing to you from Portland, Oregon where we have made headlines again but now for the excessively high and horrible AQI (Air Quality Index) numbers. Current news has said it is the worst in the world. However I can tell you that during the burn season in Northern Thailand (specifically Cheng Mai), they have experienced equally bad numbers, but we definitely are having an extended stint of bad air quality with no relief!
So what to do when dealing with the effects of smoke? There are three parts to staying safe and keeping healthy during this time
1.) Stay inside and keep your inside space clean.
- Air Purifier or Air Filter: If are lucky to have an air purifier, then you already have it running. If you have not purchased one yet, good luck finding one available. I can share that Blue Air and Miko purifiers do have some in stock (as of today) but shipping can be delayed. If you do not have an air purifier, then hopefully you have a fan to help move air around the home. Ideally you have been able to get a filter to put on the back of the fan. Saturday at Lowes, I bought the last option: vent strips. If you do come across filters, look for a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) of at least 11 to capture the very small particles in smoke (0.3 to 1.0 microns in size).
- Don’t run bathroom fans. This can bring in outside air. The moisture from a hot shower can help attract pollutants and be a good thing. Put tape over the fan switch.
- Secure cracks. Pollutants can get into your home through these small spaces. For doors, place a wet towel at the base. For windows, use painters tape or saran wrap in the cracks of windows and doors.
- Beeswax Candles. Beeswax candles release negative ions that neutralize the particles from air pollutants (like an air purifier does).
2. Health Support. Whether you are inside or barely going outside, you might be feeling the effects. Some might not feel the effects but that does not mean there will not be longer lasting effects of the pollutants in the air. There is not enough research on the long term effects of smoke exposure. When in doubt, take extra care and follow these recommendations:
- Mullein Blend supports respiratory health. You can buy it in a tincture. I purchased the Herb Pharma brand (I don’t get a kick-back for saying that…just happens to be the brand I bought). It is a liquid you put a full dropper in 2 oz of water a few times a day to help the lungs.
- NAC can help break up the yuck in the lungs from pollutants. I purchased the Pure brand because it does not have fillers like other brands.
- Dandelion and Vitamin C to detox the body.
- Mint and green tea. Use 4 tea bags to make the mint tea super strong, great for antioxidants.
- And why not eat some antioxidant foods: berries, walnuts, grapes.
- N95 Mask. Wear this anytime you are outside and if you are feeling the air quality in your home is not so great, sleep with a N95 mask on. A mask is good for about 8 hours. I haven’t attempted to clean them yet (another post).
3. Soul Support and Self-Compassion: These are strange times we are in for sure. You might not feel your healthiest. Reach out to friends far and near. Today I had a check-in with a friend about whether to buy another air purifier. Don’t feel alone. If you don’t have anyone to call, then drop me a line through our website. We can get through this together!
Hang in there! Stay safe and healthy!