08/14/2026
Every summer, parts of the country deal with the effects of wildfires. As drifting wildfire smoke this summer became more widespread across the United States, we wanted to share how you can protect your respiratory health in the event of poor outdoor air quality.
• Understand the different colored levels of the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the health risks for different groups of people at each level
• At unhealthy air quality levels, try to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors. If you must go outside, consider wearing a high-quality N95 or KN95 mask to help filter pollution in the air before you breathe it in.
• Preserve indoor air quality by keeping windows and doors closed on poor air quality days and using a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter.
If you live with chronic lung conditions such as COPD or asthma, you may be at higher risk for health problems because of decreased air quality. PAM Health’s cardiopulmonary rehab program is led by expert therapists who can help you be proactive about your lung and heart health through targeted therapy, exercises, and lifestyle support.
Learn more about how PAM Health can give you the tools to take back your cardiopulmonary health: https://nuvi.me/n6wde7
