OUTDOOR SAFETY

Outdoor Physical Activity

We all need fresh air, sunlight, and exercise. During periods of wildfire smoke, it's easy to feel unhappy or trapped when we're told to stay indoors or reduce physical activity, and when we can't see the sun through the smoke. Health officials know this, which is why it's important to find a balance that works for you, given the ever-changing conditions. Here are some tips for youth sports and for any outdoor enthusiast trying to staying sane and active:

• ​Plan big outdoor adventures for spring and early summer (June and early July in Montana).
• Find a local gym, rec center, or kids play area that filters their air effectively.
• Make a list of indoor activities you've been meaning to accomplish and save them for August/September (books, movies, art projects, household projects, cooking projects, etc.).
• When the smoke arrives, check daily and hourly air quality measurements and forecasts so that you can get outside when air quality is best, or even travel to the healthiest locations nearby.
• If you are training for a sport, plan to have a flexible down or recovery week for late August or September.
• Significantly reduce or forego strenuous outdoor exercise when wildfire smoke is labeled unhealthy - pushing through it may cause damage to your health that outlasts the smoke.
• We know it's tough for kids that really need to move those young and growing bodies - short outings followed by return to clean indoor air can help!

worker concerns

Are you a farmer? Rancher? Construction worker?

What are the risks of working outside in smoke?

People who work outside during smoke, and especially those doing strenuous physical labor, are at high risk for experiencing symptoms and unwanted health impacts of smoke exposure. If you have asthma or lung disease be extra careful working outside - carry an emergency inhaler, a phone, and let someone know where you are. Take breaks frequently. Physical symptoms of smoke exposure might include coughing, dry or sore throat, and headaches (click here for more on health impacts and symptoms of smoke exposure). Outdoor workers may experience more severe mental health impacts of smoke, such as feelings of hopelessness or depression. Pay attention to your body and mood, and talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

What can I do about it?

Tons of Montanans make their living outside, and when the smoke rolls in - there's no quick fix. But there are ways to reduce smoke exposure and stay as healthy as possible. Some ways to improve health for outside workers include:​

• Create a clean indoor space that you can escape to for at least a few hours each day (ideally your sleeping room, so that you have multiple hours of clean breathing each night) - go to the Clean Indoor Air page to learn how.
• If possible, take your breaks inside, in a place with at least some filtration (either with a portable filter or cooling system running on recirculate).
• Talk to your employer about providing air filters for your home if you work outside all day.
• Wear an N95 or kN95 mask or a particulate respirator outside when air quality is "unhealthy" and you aren't able to work indoors.
• On your days off - spend as much time as possible in cleaner air, whether that be an indoor filtrated space, or a non-smoky location out of town.

Particulate Respirators and masks

What works:

The best choice to make during heavy wildfire smoke is to reduce physical activity and spend as much time as you can in clean indoor air. However, many Montanans work outside and are unable to do this, yet there are still ways we can reduce health impacts. If you are unable to stay indoors during heavy wildfire smoke, a protective mask and respirator may be best.

Note that respirator masks are not a perfect solution, as they are difficult to fit correctly, decrease oxygen intake, are hot, and can easily leak when worn improperly.  This is what to look for when purchasing a mask:

• Certified NIOSH ("NIOSH" will be written somewhere on the filter material)
• N95, kN95 or N100 type mask
• Get a mask with TWO straps, one that goes around over your ears, and one under the ears and around the head
• Choose a size that will fit over your nose and under your chin. It should seal tightly to your face. If you cannot get a close face seal, try a different model or size​

• Children! Respirators are not sized for children and therefore won't be as effective
• People with previous respiratory issues, including asthma
• People who are not physically fit may experience difficulty going about daily tasks due to reduced oxygen intake. It is more important to have enough oxygen than to have clean air - if you are using a mask or respirator and feel faint, nauseous, or have trouble breathing, take the mask off.
• People with heart or lung disease should consult with their doctor before using a respirator.