Tips for clean air indoors on smoky days: a Public Health comic

Emergencies, , , ,

When it’s smoky out, it’s important to do all you can to keep indoor air clean. Check out these tips from our crafter’s corner and don’t forget to visit kingcounty.gov/wildfiresmoke for more tips and resources.

Mer, an Asian woman wearing glasses and a apron is holding a cell phone that shows that the Air Quality Index is unhealthy. She stands next to Edith, a grumpy orange cat. Mer: "When it’s smoky outside, stay inside and keep indoor air as clean as possible." Edith: "Why? We already closed the windows."
Comic strip panel 2: Mer stands in front of an x-ray machine. It shows healthy, happy lungs. Edith the cat is dressed as an x-ray technician. Mer: "Our lungs need a break. So we should reduce sources of indoor air pollution." Edith: "What does that even mean?"
Comic strip panel 3: Mer stands holding a blue mop. Edith the cat is pushing a vase of flowers off a table. Mer: "Wait until the air quality gets better before doing things like vacuuming and sweeping. They stir up dust and allergens." Edith: "I like allergens."
Comic strip panel 4: Mer holds chopsticks. In front of her is a steamer set on a wok on an oven burner. Edith the cat clutches a can of tuna fish . Mer: "You know how it smells like hot oil after frying food? Frying, broiling, grilling, and baking add to indoor air pollution. Cook in other ways on smoky days." Edith: "Let's just eat tuna from a can."
Comic strip panel 5: Mer holds two candles. One is labeled “pumpkin spice.” Edith the cat turns her back to the candles and sniffs a can of open tuna fish. Mer: "Candles also add pollution. Put them away on a smoky day." Edith: "Instead, relish other delightful aromas. Goodbye, pumpkin spice!"
Comic strip panel 6. Mer holds a box fan and a roll of duct tape. Edith the cat is curled up and frowning. Mer: "Clean the air with a HEPA air purifier or make an air cleaner with a box fan, a MERV-13 filter and duct tape." Edith: "Just duct taping stuff together? That’s lazy crafting."

More information about protecting your health from wildfire smoke, including how to make a DIY box fan filter: kingcounty.gov/wildfire smoke

Comic by Meredith Li-Vollmer

Originally published on August 21, 2023.

Posted by

I am a risk communications specialist at Public Health - Seattle & King County.