Wildfire Smoke Doesn't Stop at Your Front Door

When wildfire smoke rolls in, most people think about it as an outdoor problem: hazy skies, stinging eyes, the advice to stay inside. But "inside" isn't automatically safe. Smoke particles are small enough to slip through open windows and doors, gaps around trim and outlets, HVAC intakes, and even tiny leaks in the building envelope itself. Once they're in, they don't just disappear — they settle into carpets, upholstery, and ductwork, and keep affecting air quality long after the skies clear outside.


Why Indoor Air Takes the Hit Too

Wildfire smoke is loaded with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — particles so small they bypass your body's natural filters and reach deep into the lungs. Unlike larger dust or pollen, these particles move easily through the small openings that exist in almost every building, including:

  • Open or poorly sealed windows and doors
  • Gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical penetrations
  • HVAC systems pulling in outdoor air
  • Cracks in the building envelope (siding, roofline, foundation)

Without preparation, indoor PM2.5 levels can climb close to outdoor levels within hours of a smoke event starting.


Preparing Before Smoke Arrives

The best defense is proactive, not reactive. A few key steps make a real difference:

1. Seal the gaps. Weatherstripping, door sweeps, and caulking around penetrations reduce how much smoke can infiltrate.

2. Upgrade HVAC filtration. Use the highest MERV rated filter that your system is rated for; check with your HVAC company if you aren’t certain. A MERV 13 or higher filter (where the system allows) captures significantly more fine particulate than standard filters.

3. Have a portable air cleaner ready. HEPA-based units with adequate CADR(Clean Air Delivery Rate) ratings for the room size can be a fast, effective backstop, especially in bedrooms or common living areas.

4. Set HVAC systems to recirculate. Switching off fresh-air intake during active smoke events keeps outdoor smoke from being pulled directly inside.

5. Know your air quality resources. Track local AQI before smoke hits so you can act early instead of waiting until conditions are already unhealthy.


The Takeaway

Wildfire season is as much an indoor air quality issue as an outdoor one. Buildings are more porous than they look, and smoke will find its way in through the paths of least resistance. Preparing ahead of time — sealing gaps, upgrading filtration, and having a response plan — is what separates a minor inconvenience from a real health risk indoors.



Want more practical guidance on protecting indoor air during wildfire season? Explore IAQA's resources and connect with certified indoor air quality professionals at iaqa.org.

Can HVAC Filtration Help Reduce Airborne Microplastics?

July 15, 2026
Microplastics are becoming part of the indoor air quality conversation. While many people think of microplastics as something found in water or food, research is also looking at how small plastic particles and fibers may move through the air inside homes, offices, schools, and other buildings. Indoor environments are increasingly recognized as an important pathway for airborne microplastic exposure, although methods and findings are still developing. For IAQ professionals, one practical question is worth asking: Can HVAC filtration help reduce airborne microplastics? The answer is yes, filtration may help reduce airborne particles, including some microplastics. But it is important to understand what filtration can do, what it cannot do, and why proper maintenance matters. What Are Airborne Microplastics? Microplastics are very small plastic particles, generally smaller than 5 millimeters. Indoors, they may come from synthetic textiles, carpets, upholstery, furniture, packaging, electronics, plastic-based materials, and settled dust. Some microplastics can become airborne through normal building activity. Walking, cleaning, opening and closing doors, using HVAC systems, or disturbing soft materials can move particles from surfaces into the air. Because indoor spaces are enclosed, these particles may settle, recirculate, or build up in dust if they are not managed through source control, cleaning, ventilation, and filtration.

Air Purifiers vs. Proper Ventilation: What Does Your Building Really Need?

By Donna Lawrence • June 17, 2026
If you've ever walked into a stuffy room and wondered, "Should I just buy an air purifier?" You're not alone. Air purifiers are popular, easy to buy, and heavily marketed. But here's the truth: an air purifier and proper ventilation are not the same thing, and one cannot replace the other. Let's break it down in simple terms. What Does an Air Purifier Do? Think of an air purifier like a vacuum cleaner, but for the air. It pulls in the air inside your room, filters out dust, pollen, smoke particles, and other tiny pollutants, and then pushes cleaner air back out. Air purifiers are great at: Capturing fine particles like dust and allergens Reducing smoke and wildfire-related pollution indoors Filtering pet dander and mold spores But here's the catch: an air purifier only cleans the air that's already inside your building. It doesn't bring in any fresh air from outside. What Is Proper Ventilation? Ventilation is the process of swapping out stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. It's like opening a window, except in most buildings, it's done through carefully designed systems like HVAC units, exhaust fans, and air ducts. Good ventilation: Brings in fresh air and removes stale, CO₂-heavy air Dilutes indoor pollutants that build up over time Controls humidity, which helps prevent mold growth Keeps air moving throughout the whole building Without proper ventilation, pollutants from cleaning products, furniture, cooking, and even the people inside the building accumulate, and no air purifier can fully solve that problem. So What's the Difference, Really? Here's a simple way to think about it:

IAQA: Dedicated to Your Education and Success

November 17, 2025
When you think about vendors, you probably picture suppliers, service providers, or consultants—businesses that support your operations and help you succeed. But have you ever considered that IAQA, your professional association, is one of the most valuable vendors you have? Membership in IAQA isn’t just about being part of a group; i t’s about leveraging resources, education, and networking to strengthen your business. IAQA provides the tools, connections, and industry credibility that help you grow professionally and stay ahead in a competitive market. Here’s why IAQA is an indispensable vendor and how we deliver value that goes far beyond a typical business transaction. Connecting You with Clients: Find A Pro Listings Visibility is key in any industry, and IAQA helps put your name in front of potential clients. Through Find A Pro , members gain exclusive access to a platform designed to connect them with people actively seeking their services. Unlike traditional marketing expenses, this is a built-in benefit of membership—giving you exposure without additional advertising costs. Ongoing Professional Development and Education Staying competitive means staying informed. IAQA provides year-round learning opportunities , including: The Annual Conference and regional events , where members can gain insights from industry leaders and sharpen their expertise Webinars on industry trends, business strategies, and technical skills IAQA University (new content currently in development!) , offering in-depth training IAQA serves as a trusted vendor for professional growth—ensuring you’re always learning, improving, and staying ahead of industry changes. Boosting Your Credibility and Industry Authority Being part of a respected association automatically enhances your credibility. IAQA promotes its members as recognized experts in their field, positioning them as go-to professionals for IAQ-related services and events. The IAQA brand strengthens your reputation , reinforcing that you are a dedicated and knowledgeable professional in your field. Networking: Access to Seasoned Professionals Who Share the Same Challenges The IAQA member’s only Community Page acts as a hub for knowledge-sharing , giving you access to experienced professionals and peers who face the same challenges that you do. Become an active participant on our Community Page and learn from others’ experiences and challenges on this informal member’s only platform. Help When You Need It: Dedicated Member Support IAQA is committed to supporting you every step of the way. Whether you need assistance navigating industry challenges, finding resources, or simply getting a question answered, your professional, dedicated staff is here to help. Having a reliable resource like this can be the difference between struggling through an issue alone and finding a quick, effective solution with the help of an industry expert. Exclusive Discounts: Savings That Add Up Running a business comes with expenses, but being part of IAQA can significantly cut some of those costs. Members receive: Discounted rates for conferences, regional events, and other continuing education Savings on supplies, equipment, and lab services from industry partners and vendors Special members-only pricing on professional development tools These discounts quickly offset the cost of membership, making IAQA a valuable financial partner as well as a professional one. A Commitment to Your Success At the heart of it all, IAQA is more than a vendor, we are a partner in your success . Every benefit, resource, and service is designed with one goal in mind: helping you thrive .