In recent years, wildfires have become a major concern, especially in hot, dry states across the nation. They may be sparked by power lines, careless cigarette use, campfires, lightning, or other means. Once ignited, a combination of dry conditions, high winds, and challenging terrain means these fires may get out of control very quickly and burn hundreds of thousands of acres of land. And where there is fire, there is smoke which fills the air with chemicals, gases, and soot that can present a health risk to outdoor workers.
PM2.5, tiny particles less than 2.5 micrometers in size, pose the most significant hazard from wildfire smoke. This particulate matter can easily enter the lungs or bloodstream. This exposure is linked to serious health issues such as heart failure, reduced lung function, bronchitis, and worsening asthma.
Additional wildfire hazards or exposures include:
Though there currently isn’t a specific national standard for wildfire smoke exposure, employers must still protect workers under the General Duty Clause (29 USC 654) by providing a workplace free of recognized hazards. Protective measures include clear operational procedures, air quality monitoring, ensuring the availability of emergency response and personal protective equipment, and providing appropriate training.
California, Oregon, and Washington have implemented wildfire smoke regulations based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). These regulations provide employers with guidelines to protect workers from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke according to air quality levels.
The AQI is a uniform color-coded index developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for reporting and forecasting daily air quality nationwide. The AQI reports common ambient air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act. It informs the public about local air quality levels, who may be affected, and steps to take to reduce exposure.
The AQI uses a normalized scale from 0 to 500, with higher AQI values indicating poorer air quality and a higher health concern. EPA explains that AQI values at and below 100 are generally considered satisfactory, while values above 100 are considered unhealthy.