Key Components of Reducing Smoke Exposure

As discussed earlier in the course, wildfire and prescribe fire smoke both contain PM2.5, and measures to protect public health from smoke aim to reduce exposures to PM2.5.

Figure 8 details several factors, ranging from communication to exposure reduction measures, that contribute to your patients’ ability to reduce their smoke exposure. The following sections discuss some of these factors. 
 

Drivers for action consist of public health messaging, including risk communication, and public awareness of wildfire smoke. Demographic factors, housing characteristics, and access or availability to exposure reduction measures influence the percent of the population that takes exposure reduction actions and/or the effectiveness of those actions. Collectively, these components influence the amount of smoke exposure, specifically to PM2.5, people will experience.
Figure 8. Factors that contribute to the ability of individuals and communities to reduce wildfire smoke exposure. HVAC = Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. MERV = Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value
Source: U.S. EPA (2021).

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Wildfire Smoke and Your Patients' Health

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Last updated on September 30, 2025