Protecting Indoor Air from Wildfire Smoke – OSU Extension Service

 

Report on Strategies for Mitigating Indoor Air Pollution from Wildfire Smoke

Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 3, 11, and 13

In response to the escalating frequency of wildfire events, a direct consequence of climate change as highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), safeguarding public health has become a critical priority. Ensuring access to clean air is fundamental to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). This report outlines key strategies for households to create safe indoor air environments, thereby enhancing community resilience and contributing to the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Establishing a Clean Air Refuge to Uphold SDG 3

The primary strategy for protecting individuals from hazardous airborne particles (PM_2.5) is the establishment of a designated “clean room” within a residence. This approach is a vital measure for ensuring Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), particularly for vulnerable populations.

Key Implementation Steps:

1. Select a room of sufficient size to comfortably accommodate all household members.
2. Ensure all windows and doors to the exterior remain closed to prevent the ingress of pollutants.
3. Implement one or more of the air filtration methods detailed below to actively reduce indoor particle concentrations.

Air Filtration Methodologies for Resilient Communities (SDG 11)

Effective air filtration is the cornerstone of creating a safe indoor environment. The following methods support the development of resilient household infrastructure, a key target of SDG 11.

Commercial Portable Air Cleaners

The deployment of commercial-grade portable air cleaners is a highly effective intervention. Research indicates that units equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can reduce indoor particle concentrations by up to 45%, directly supporting SDG 3.

• Filter Type: HEPA filters are the recommended standard. Air cleaners that generate ozone must be avoided as they contribute to indoor pollution.
• Placement: Units should be located in the designated clean room or other high-occupancy areas to maximize health benefits.
• Sizing: The air cleaner must be appropriately sized for the square footage of the room to ensure efficacy.
• Operation: For maximum effectiveness, the unit should be operated continuously on the highest fan setting, with unobstructed airflow.
• Procurement: In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), it is advised to purchase filters and units prior to the wildfire season to avoid supply chain disruptions.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System Upgrades

For residences with central air systems, upgrading filtration is a critical step towards building long-term resilience (SDG 11).

• Install high-efficiency filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13 or higher. These filters are capable of capturing fine particulate matter (PM_2.5).
• Operate the system’s fan continuously to circulate air through the upgraded filter, maximizing particle removal and protecting occupant health (SDG 3).

Low-Cost, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Filtration Systems

To ensure equitable access to clean air, which is fundamental to the inclusivity tenet of SDG 11, low-cost solutions can be constructed. A DIY air cleaner can be made by attaching a MERV 13 filter to a standard box fan.

• Construction: The filter should be affixed to the air-intake side of the fan.
• Efficacy: Limited evidence suggests these devices are effective at reducing airborne particulates.
• Safety Advisory: This method presents a potential fire risk due to motor overheating. Such devices must not be operated while unattended or during sleep. This precaution is essential for maintaining a safe and secure living environment as per SDG 11.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article’s primary focus is on protecting human health from the harmful effects of indoor air pollution caused by wildfire smoke. It provides actionable steps to improve air quality, directly contributing to the well-being of individuals, especially vulnerable groups like those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The guidance on creating “clean rooms” and upgrading home filtration systems relates to making human settlements (homes) safer and more resilient to environmental disasters like wildfires. The article addresses the need to improve indoor air quality, a key component of a safe and healthy living environment within communities.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Wildfires are identified as climate-related natural disasters. The article provides strategies for adaptation, helping individuals and households build resilience to the health impacts of these events. The advice on preparing for wildfire season by purchasing filters in advance is a direct measure of adaptive capacity.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. The article directly addresses this by offering methods to reduce illness from air pollution (wildfire smoke containing PM₂.₅ particles).
• Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries… for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks. The article serves as a guide for managing the health risks associated with wildfire smoke, empowering individuals to take protective measures.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected… caused by disasters… with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations. The article aims to reduce the number of people affected by wildfire disasters by protecting their health, with a specific mention of vulnerable individuals with respiratory conditions.
• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality… The article’s entire premise is about managing and improving indoor air quality within homes.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. The practical advice on setting up clean rooms and using air filters is a clear example of building adaptive capacity to the health impacts of climate-related hazards (wildfires).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 3 Targets

• Reduction in indoor particle concentrations: The article explicitly states that commercial portable air cleaners can “reduce indoor particle concentrations by as much as 45%.” This percentage reduction is a direct indicator of improved air quality.
• Concentration of PM₂.₅ particles: The article mentions that high-efficiency filters (like MERV 13) are needed to filter “the tiny PM₂.₅ particles.” Measuring the level of these specific particles indoors would be a key indicator of progress towards reducing illnesses from air pollution.

Indicators for SDG 11 Targets

• Adoption of protective technologies: The number of households that purchase and use portable air cleaners with HEPA filters or upgrade their HVAC systems to high-efficiency filters (MERV 13) serves as an indicator of community resilience.
• Number of “clean rooms” established: The implementation of the article’s primary recommendation—setting up a clean room—can be counted as an indicator of households taking action to protect vulnerable members from disaster impacts.

Indicators for SDG 13 Targets

• Preparedness for wildfire season: The article suggests to “Purchase replacement filters in the wildfire off-season.” The rate at which households stock up on necessary supplies like HEPA filters before fire season begins is an implied indicator of increased adaptive capacity.
• Use of DIY solutions: The promotion of making a “do-it-yourself air cleaner” using a box fan and a MERV 13 filter implies that the adoption of low-cost, accessible adaptation strategies is a measure of progress.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.9: Substantially reduce illnesses from air pollution.	Percentage reduction of indoor particle concentrations (stated as up to 45%). Measured indoor concentration of PM₂.₅ particles.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.5: Reduce the number of people affected by disasters, protecting vulnerable people. 11.6: Reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, paying attention to air quality.	Number of households with upgraded HVAC (MERV 13) or portable HEPA filters. Number of homes with a designated “clean room” during smoke events.
SDG 13: Climate Action	13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.	Rate of households purchasing filters before wildfire season begins. Adoption of DIY air cleaner solutions as a low-cost adaptation measure.

Source: extension.oregonstate.edu