Media tips
Ian Shapiro
Syracuse, ny – Smoke of more than 100 Canadian forest fires has many regions in the United States, including as far in south as Georgia. Air quality is deteriorating in the Midwest, the Great Lakes and the North East, which caused health reviews in many cities. In Canada, more than 25,000 residents of three provinces were evacuated due to the worsening of air conditions.
THE Syracuse Center for University Excellence in environmental and energy systems (Syracusecoe) advises residents to take simple measures to protect indoor air quality and personal health in the event of increased smoke levels.
Ian ShapiroThe professor and associate director of building science and building programs at the University of Syracuse provides air quality recommendations below which can be cited directly. It is also available for maintenance.
“Prepare yourself in advance by buying or using a HEPA air cleaner and / or a more efficient furnace filter and masks to go outside.” – Professor Ian Shapiro, University of Syracuse
The recommendations include:
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Use air cleaners with HEPA filters:
Portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters can considerably reduce the concentrations of suspended particles in the air in a few minutes.
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Continue continuously the HVAC fan:
If your house has a forced heating or cooling system, locate the “fan” thermostat setting and pass it from “auto” to “on”. This will constantly circulate indoor air through the system filter, eliminating the particles. This practice is safe and effective all year round. This is much more effective if your system has a high -efficiency filter, such as a rated “Merv 13” filter. Otherwise, consider at least the installation of a filter noted “Merv 11”, instead of a standard efficiency filter.
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Close windows and doors:
Keep all the windows and closed doors to minimize the entrance to the exterior smoke in your home during the smoked conditions.
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Limit the use of exhaust fans:
While the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans remove humidity and cooking smoke, they also pull the outside air in the house. During forest smoke events, limit their use to reduce contaminated air intake.
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Wear a mask outside:
When you spend time outside, especially if air quality gets worse, wear a well -adjusted mask to help filter the inhaled particles.
The Center for University Excellence of Syracuse, led by Dr Jianshun “Jensen” Zhangis carrying out advanced research on indoor and outdoor air quality. The center is currently monitoring air quality in several locations in downtown Syracuse and continues to provide scientific advice to the community.
To find out more or to set up interviews, contact:
Daryl Lovell
Associate Director of Media Relations
University communications
M 315,380,0206
dalovell@syr.edu