New Orleans swamp fires may fester for months

Swamp fire smoke makes its way into
nearby homes and affects residents.

Residents downwind of an underground marsh fire in eastern New Orleans have been feeling the effects of smoke exposure, as clouds of smoke periodically waft their way.

They reported wheezing and bouts of nausea due to the exposure, and said that the smell of smoke was everywhere in their homes.

The fires were at their height at the end of August 2011, when much of New Orleans was blanketed with heavy smoke.

Even with the National Guard and natural rainfalls dumping water on the area, the swamp fire continued to smolder and spread.

Now, five months later, smaller amounts of smoke still find their way into residents’ homes.

Wildfire smoke has been identified as a serious health risk as 80 to 90% of wildfire smoke is within the fine particle range.

These fine particles, which are generally less than 2.5 microns in diameter and can penetrate deep into the lungs. 

An increase in this type of airborne particulate matter has been linked to numerous health problems including headaches, nausea, dizziness, respiratory problems, strokes and heart attacks.

Source: Nola

Keep smoke out from your home

While wildfires and underground swamp fires are not easy to control, homeowners can help protect their health and well-being by making sure their indoor air quality is as high as possible.

Since smoke particles and chemicals can make their way indoors through open windows, doors, cracks and other entry points, it’s important to ensure good ventilation and to use a powerful air cleaner that canhandle smoke toxins.

AllerAir has designed some of the most efficient air purifiers for smoke, with many pounds of activated carbon and HEPA to remove chemicals, particles, gases, odors and other irritants from the ambient air.

The AirMedic Series combines
powerful particle with chemical
filtration.

Here are some recommended air purifiers for smoke:

Air Medic + Vocarb
Our most efficient medical-grade HEPA unit for particles ( traps 99.97% of fine particles at 0.3 microns) coupled with a deep-bed, activated carbon filter for the treatment of  chemicals, gases and odors. Ideal for those living within close range of a wildfire zone.

5000 DS
AllerAir's "DS" models are air purifiers tailored specifically for smoke and odor relief. These exceptional air purifiers remove lingering smoke odors and harmful chemicals. They feature a deep-bed carbon filter, tar-trapping pre-filters and micro-HEPA filter for particles.

Contact AllerAir for more information.