WILDFIRE SMOKE & FINE PARTICULATES

Wildfire Smoke and Fine Particulates

Wildfires - like those seen across California earlier this year - release dense smoke filled with ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ash. Even miles from the fire line, air quality can drop to hazardous levels, especially for children, the elderly, and people with asthma.

The Protection We Recommend:

You Should Have:

• A P100-rated filter (or CBRN filter with particulate protection) on a well-sealed half or full-face respirator.
• Our NH15 Escape Hood or MITR-M1 Half Mask can be a good, quick option for this threat level, offering compact storage and quick deployment. 
• For high-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) areas: a combo filter (e.g. NIOSH + P3) for both particulates and gases.
• Eye protection if you're evacuating or exposed to ash clouds.

You Should Avoid:

• Cloth masks, dust masks, and basic N95s. They don’t form a proper seal and aren’t rated for prolonged or dense smoke exposure. If you can smell it clearly, you're breathing it in.