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Wildfire smoke from Canada has led to hazy skies and poor air quality across the Pittsburgh region. In this week's Physician's Corner, Dr. Chaitali Sarkar shares practical, evidence-based tips to help you protect your lungs, reduce exposure, and know when it's safest to stay indoors.
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As wildfire smoke from Canada continues to impact air quality across Western Pennsylvania, many people are wondering how to protect themselves and their families. We asked Dr. Chaitali Sarkar for practical, evidence-based recommendations to help reduce exposure and stay healthy during periods of poor air quality.
Before heading outside, Dr. Sarkar recommends checking the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) at AirNow.gov.
"Patients should be advised to check the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) at airnow.gov when planning outdoor activities, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, or other risk factors."
She also notes that air quality alert systems and mobile apps can help guide daily decisions.
On days when air quality is poor, it's best to take it easy outdoors.
"Vigorous outdoor exercise should be minimized when AQI levels are elevated. Exercise increases minute ventilation and therefore pollutant dose to the lungs."
If you do need to be outside, Dr. Sarkar advises avoiding exercise near busy roads.
"Exercising within 400 meters of highways or major arterial roads should be avoided, as ultrafine particle concentrations drop steeply with distance from the source."
Staying indoors can help—but it's most effective when combined with proper air filtration.
"Closing windows combined with air conditioning substantially reduces outdoor PM₂.₅ infiltration."
Dr. Sarkar also recommends using portable HEPA air cleaners, maintaining MERV 7–13 HVAC filters, and avoiding indoor pollution sources such as gas stoves, fireplaces, incense, plug-in scents, and solid-fuel cooking whenever possible.
If you must spend time outdoors when air quality is poor, a properly fitted respirator can help.
"Certified N95 or N99 respirators can markedly reduce PM exposure and are the most validated personal protection devices for air pollution. Proper fit is essential for efficacy."
She notes that these masks may be uncomfortable for some people, particularly those with heart or lung conditions.
Even your commute can make a difference.
"Close car windows and use air conditioning on recirculation mode in polluted areas such as freeways and rush-hour traffic, which can significantly reduce in-cabin particle exposure."
According to Dr. Sarkar, extra precautions are especially important for:
These groups are more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution.
While these strategies can help reduce your exposure, Dr. Sarkar emphasizes that they are not a replacement for improving air quality at its source.
"While these personal interventions can reduce exposure, they are not a substitute for source-level pollution control, which remains the most effective long-term strategy."
If you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or another chronic condition and have questions about how poor air quality may affect you, please don't hesitate to reach out to your Connected Health care team.
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