Will the smoke from distant forest fires affect my bird?

Susan Horton DVM

Yes.  Birds are extremely efficient at absorbing anything airborne.

Indoor air quality already has the potential to be worse than outdoor air quality
                Outdoor contaminants readily make it into your home
                Mold, fungi, and bacteria – are often present in the home environment.
                House dust is a mixture of lint, particles, and adsorbed substances from household products.
                Avian dander, feather particles, and powder down

Air quality is measured in Ambient particulate matter (PM) 

PM consists of Fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particles are complex mixtures of microscopic carbon-based particles, with adsorbed materials that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particulate matter from burning vegetation and materials. The pollutant of most concern from wildfire smoke is fine particulate matter (PM 2.5).

In Chicago, we have had some of the worst air quality in the world! We had 263 PM2.5 on June 28.
               
The smoke from forest fires combined with the general air quality = bad

​Here are some ideas for protecting your bird from smoke and other air pollutants (from: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq)
  • Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Use fans and air conditioning to stay cool. If you cannot stay cool, seek shelter elsewhere.
  • Reduce the smoke that enters your home.
    • If you have an HVAC system with a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode, or close the outdoor intake damper.
      • Consider upgrading to a MERV 13 or higher rated filter if your system can accommodate it.
    • If you have an evaporative cooler, avoid using it unless there is a heat emergency because it can result in more smoke being brought inside. If you must use the evaporative cooler, take advantage of times when outdoor air quality improves, even temporarily, to open windows and air out the house.
    • If you have a window air conditioner, close the outdoor air damper. If you cannot close the damper, do not use the window air conditioner. Make sure that the seal between the air conditioner and the window is as tight as possible.
    • If you have a portable air conditioner with a single hose, typically vented out of a window, do not use it in smoky conditions because it can result in more smoke being brought inside. If you have a portable air conditioner with two hoses, make sure that the seal between the window vent kit and the window is as tight as possible.
  • Use a portable air cleaner or high-efficiency filter to remove fine particles from the air.
    • If you use a portable air cleaner, run it as often as possible on the highest fan speed.
    • If you cannot get a portable air cleaner, you may choose to use a DIY air cleaner as a temporary alternative. Run it as often as possible. See the box above for Tips – If You Choose to Use a DIY Air Cleaner.
    • If you have an HVAC system with a high-efficiency filter installed, run the system’s fan as often as possible to remove particles while the air quality is poor.
  • Avoid activities that create more fine particles indoors, including:
    • Smoking cigarettes (never allowed!)
    • Using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves and furnaces.
    • Spraying aerosol products.
    • Frying or broiling food.
    • Burning candles or incense.
    • Vacuuming, unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  • Create a clean room. Watch EPA’s video about how to set up a clean room at home.
  • Air out your home by opening windows or the fresh air intake on your HVAC system when the air quality improves, even temporarily.
It is good to be prepared ahead of time.  These suggestions are also good for your respiratory health!
 
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide helpful service to you and your pet. If you have any questions, give us a call at 847-329-8709.