AI Generated Image
Do I Need to Wear a Mask If There’s Wildfire Smoke Outside?
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- If wildfire smoke is affecting your area, wearing a mask outdoors can help protect your health from harmful air pollution.
- Consider wearing a mask when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 200, as this level is unhealthy for everyone.
- People with asthma, diabetes, or heart, lung, or kidney disease should also wear masks if the AQI is between 100 and 200 due to increased health risks.
- Use a tight-fitting N95 mask for effective filtration of tiny particles; surgical or cloth masks offer significantly less protection.
