After a wildfire, more than just your air filters need cleaning, say experts

Article content Harmful chemicals from wildfire smoke can linger for a month or more inside a home or business on items such as clothing or cups, say experts. The good news is that washing everything with everyday household cleaners can remove the chemicals, according to a recent study from Portland State University.

The researchers studied highly toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from wildfire smoke in the home over four months on glass, cotton and in air filters. What they found was it took 37 days for the chemicals to decrease by 74 per cent for air filters, 81 per cent for cotton and 88 per cent for glass, according to a news release from the university Tuesday.

However, when the items were washed, there was a significant decrease in the amount of chemicals, the researchers said. For example, laundering cotton clothes just one time reduced PAHs by 80 per cent while using a commercial glass cleaner on materials like windows and cups reduced PAHs between 60 per cent and 70 per cent, according to the university.

Elliott Gall, an associate professor in Mechanical and Materials Engineering at PSU, said these chemicals from wildfire smoke are associated with a wide variety of long term adverse health consequences, such as cancer, potential complications in pregnancy and lung disease. In a statement, Gall said most people are thinking about cleaning their air filters after a wildfire but with these chemicals sticking onto surfaces, there are different routes of exposure people should be aware of, like drinking out of tainted glasses.

Gall’s study, which was published in , notes that while glass and cotton can be washed to reduce the PAHs, air filters can’t be cleaned and need to be replaced after an extreme smoke event. “Even if there’s potentially some more life in them, over time PAHs can partition off the filter and be emitted back into your space,” Gall said in the statement.

Researchers say the study brings up more questions that need to be answered, for example how long do the chemicals linger on drywall? Gall added that future research will look at the most effective ways to clean your home or business after a wildfire. Last summer in B.C., wildfire smoke was linked to the death of a boy in 100 Mile House in what officials called Experts urged residents to take every precaution against the wildfire smoke, which they said can lead to Dr.

Emily Brigham, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of B.C., told Postmedia that even healthy people can get sick, but there’s significant concern for asthma patients. Given that heat and wildfire smoke linked to climate change are more common now, she said it’s a good idea for communities to think about how they can protect their most vulnerable citizens, such as ensuring there are safe spaces with HEPA air filters to go to.

This latest research from Portland shows that after an extreme wildfire event, cleaning surfaces, dishes and clothing could also help lower the risk of serious illness..