The Growing Threat of Wildfires: Impacts On Indoor Air Quality And Energy Reliability

Wildfires have become increasingly prevalent and destructive in recent years. The rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions have created a perfect storm for more frequent and intense wildfires. Recent statistics highlight the severity of this trend, with millions of acres burned annually, leading to significant environmental and health impacts. Understanding and addressing the impact of wildfires on air quality, energy consumption, and grid reliability is crucial as the connection between wildfires, public health concerns, and energy costs grows ever more apparent.

As of August 2024, there are over 80 actively burning wildfires across the United States. Seven major wildfires are raging, each causing extensive damage and affecting thousands of lives. These wildfires in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Colorado have collectively burned hundreds of thousands of acres. Communities in these areas are grappling with the immediate dangers of the fires and the subsequent health risks posed by poor air quality.

The Air Quality Impacts of Wildfires

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a critical tool for understanding and managing air quality, especially during wildfire events. The AQI measures several pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. These pollutants can have severe health implications, particularly when wildfires cause their levels to spike.

AQI levels have reached hazardous levels in areas affected by the top five active wildfires, far exceeding normal values. For instance, regions near these wildfires have reported AQI values above 1,000 when the AQI maxes out at 500, indicating the severity of the hazardous air quality where everyone is at risk of serious health effects.

The health implications of poor air quality due to wildfires are significant. Immediate effects include respiratory issues, such as coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can lead to more severe health problems, including cardiovascular issues, reduced lung function, and exacerbated chronic conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Understanding your building IAQ is vital during wildfire events due to the infiltration of harmful pollutants into indoor environments. These pollutants, particularly PM2.5 particles, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing significant health risks.

Mitigating The Risk of PM2.5 From Wildfires

Several strategies can be employed to prevent PM2.5 from entering buildings. Effective air purification systems, such as those using HEPA filters and air scrubbers, are crucial. Sealing and insulation techniques can also reduce air leakage, ensuring harmful pollutants stay outside.

Regular maintenance and inspection of HVAC systems are essential to maintaining optimal performance. Advanced air quality monitoring solutions provide real-time data and alerts, enabling better indoor air quality management. Implementing these measures can lead to long-term health and safety improvements for building occupants.

Wildfires not only degrade air quality but also significantly impact energy consumption in buildings, leading to a substantial spike in energy usage due to the need for enhanced air filtration and HVAC systems. The particulate matter and pollutants from wildfire smoke necessitate more frequent air filtration and ventilation adjustments, placing additional stress on HVAC systems.

High-efficiency filters (MERV 13 or higher), which are recommended to improve indoor air quality during wildfires, can cause a 0.3" pressure drop in the HVAC system, resulting in an 8.8 kWh increase in energy usage per square foot every year. Regular maintenance, including filter replacements and system check-ups, ensures that HVAC systems operate efficiently, even under the added stress of filtering wildfire smoke.

Understanding the impact of wildfires on air quality and energy consumption is critical for organizations. Taking proactive steps to monitor and manage indoor air quality and energy consumption is essential for protecting health and ensuring the continuity of operations during wildfire events.

How Wildfires Impact Energy Production & Grid Reliability

Wildfires have profound effects on energy production and grid reliability, necessitating adjustments to energy management and consumption patterns. The combination of smoke and heightened fire risks disrupts both renewable and non-renewable energy sources, leading to increased reliance on traditional power generation and causing significant challenges for maintaining a stable power supply.

Reduction in Solar Energy Generation:

During the 2020 fire season in California, power production from solar panels was reduced by 10-30% due to smoke obstructing sunlight. This substantial decrease in solar energy generation forces greater reliance on non-sustainable energy sources to meet demand. The reduced efficiency of solar panels during wildfires underscores the vulnerability of renewable energy sources to environmental conditions, pushing grid operators to depend more heavily on traditional power sources during peak demand periods.

Increased Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Events:

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events have increased significantly over the past decade due to the heightened risk of wildfires, particularly in California. From 2018 to 2020, the number of PSPS events rose by 200%, reflecting the growing necessity to de-energize power lines to prevent wildfires caused by electrical infrastructure. These proactive measures, while essential for reducing fire risks, lead to widespread power outages affecting millions of residents. The increased frequency and impact of PSPS events highlight the delicate balance between preventing wildfires and maintaining continuous power supply to communities.

Learn More By Reading Sanalife's Wildfire Preparedness Guide

Sanalife has created a comprehensive Wildfire Guide to help businesses and individuals prepare for and respond to wildfires. This guide covers essential topics, including preparation, response, and recovery, providing practical tips and actionable steps to enhance wildfire preparedness. By adopting a proactive approach, businesses can safeguard their indoor environments and ensure the health and safety of their occupants.

The guide offers valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate the challenges posed by wildfires and maintain a resilient indoor environment. To learn more and take the necessary steps to protect your business and employees, download Sanalife's Wildfire Guide today.