Many areas across the United States are currently experiencing elevated particulate levels due to wildfire smoke. EHS Support wanted to share a few resources and general considerations that may be helpful if smoke is affecting your operations.
Wildfire smoke can contain fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which may affect visibility, cause respiratory irritation, and increase health concerns for sensitive individuals. Employers should treat wildfire smoke as a workplace hazard, not just a nuisance. By combining proactive planning, real-time monitoring, safe work adjustments, and employee support, companies can protect workers, meet legal obligations, and maintain operational continuity.
OSHA recommends that employers monitor air quality conditions and consider appropriate measures to reduce employee exposure when air quality deteriorates.
Air Quality Resources
- USEPA AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov
- PurpleAir Real-Time Air Monitoring: https://map.purpleair.com
- OSHA Wildfire Resources: https://www.osha.gov/wildfires
General Air Quality Response Matrix
The Air Quality Index (AQI) categories below are based on USEPA air quality guidance and are commonly used by health agencies to communicate air quality conditions.
| PM2.5 AQI Range | Air Quality Category | General Considerations |
| 0-50 | Good | Normal operations. |
| 51-100 | Moderate | Continue monitoring conditions, especially for sensitive employees. |
| 101-150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Increase employee awareness; consider additional breaks or accommodations for individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. |
| 151-200 | Unhealthy | Evaluate outdoor tasks, reduce strenuous outdoor work where practical, increase access to indoor clean-air spaces, and consider availability of N95 respirators. |
| 201-300 | Very Unhealthy | Consider rescheduling non-essential outdoor work, reducing exposure durations, and implementing additional protective measures. |
| 301+ | Hazardous | Evaluate whether outdoor work can be postponed, relocated, or otherwise modified to reduce employee exposure. |
Additional Considerations
While no US state currently has a law mandating employers to act specifically on Canadian wildfire smoke, several states have state-level wildfire smoke safety standards that can apply if smoke drifts into their jurisdictions. These laws are part of broader occupational safety frameworks and can trigger employer duties when air quality is hazardous.
During smoke events, employers may wish to consider:
- Monitoring local AQI conditions throughout the day using AirNow or local monitoring networks.
- Limiting strenuous outdoor activities when smoke levels are elevated.
- Providing access to cleaner indoor air when feasible.
- Reviewing HVAC filtration and ventilation practices.
- Evaluating employee concerns related to smoke exposure on a case-by-case basis.
Personal Considerations
As you head into the weekend, consider checking local AQI conditions before outdoor activities and adjusting plans if smoke levels are elevated. Individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy, older adults, children, and others who may be more sensitive to smoke should take extra precautions and limit exposure when conditions worsen.
- Review current and forecasted AQI using AirNow, local air district updates, or other trusted monitoring resources before extended outdoor activities.
- Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air is smoky and use air conditioning or filtration settings that reduce outdoor air intake when available.
- Plan lower-exertion indoor alternatives for exercise, yard work, youth sports, or recreational activities when AQI levels are unhealthy.
- If outdoor exposure is unavoidable during smoky conditions, consider using a properly fitted NIOSH-approved N95 respirator and taking frequent breaks in cleaner air.
- Watch for symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, or eye and throat irritation, and seek medical guidance if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- Keep pets indoors as much as practical during heavy smoke and limit strenuous outdoor activity for animals as well.
If your facility is experiencing ongoing smoke-related concerns and would like assistance evaluating workplace exposures, industrial hygiene monitoring, respiratory protection considerations, or response planning, please feel free to reach out to EHS Support at info@ehs-support.com.
References
US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2023, June 9). [Updated] US Department of Labor urges employers to have a plan to protect outdoor workers from hazards associated with poor air quality [News Release]. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/OSHA/OSHA20230609
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Wildfires. https://www.osha.gov/wildfires
California Department of Industrial Relations. (2022, August). California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5141.1: Protection from Wildfire Smoke. https://www.cal-osha.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/California-Code-of-Regulations-Title-8-Section-5141.1.-Protection-from-Wildfire-Smoke_.pdf
California Department of Industrial Relations. Worker Protection from Wildfire Smoke. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/doshreg/Protection-from-Wildfire-Smoke/Wildfire-smoke-emergency-standard.html
California Department of Industrial Relations. Protecting Outdoor Workers Exposed to Smoke from Wildfires https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/wildfire/Worker-Protection-from-Wildfire-Smoke.html
California Department of Industrial Relations. Cal/OSHA Frequently Asked Questions—Wildfire Hazards. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/wildfire/wildfire-faq.html
