The Best Masks That Protect Against Wildfire Smoke (And COVID)

This is a great refresher about the best masks to protect yourself from the oppressive Canadian wildfire smoke. If you wore these at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, you already know how well these work.

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Your basic COVID mask won't protect you from wildfire smoke
Anthony Thompson, USA TODAY, 7-17-26

"As smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires continues to degrade air quality across parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast, many Americans may be reaching for the disposable or cloth face masks left over from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"However, health experts say not every mask offers meaningful protection against wildfire smoke.

"Over 830 wildfires are burning across Canada, with more than 100 considered out of control. Smoke from fires in Ontario and other regions has spread into the United States, prompting air quality alerts for millions of people and creating hazy skies from Chicago and Detroit to Cleveland, New York City and Boston. While conditions in some areas are expected to improve gradually through the weekend, officials warn that smoky air may linger as long as the fires continue burning.

"The tiny particles carried in wildfire smoke are small enough to travel deep into the lungs, meaning the type of mask you wear, and how well it fits, can make a significant difference.

Which masks work best against wildfire smoke?

"According to the air quality technology company IQAir and guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the best protection comes from tightly fitted respirators rated N95, KN95 or FFP2.

"These masks are designed to filter at least 95% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns when fitted properly. That includes fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, the primary pollutant found in wildfire smoke that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.  

"Experts say a tight seal around the nose and chin is just as important as the filter itself. Air leaking around the edges of a mask reduces its effectiveness because unfiltered air can be inhaled through the gaps.

"The EPA also advises choosing a mask with two straps that go around the head, rather than ear loops, because they're designed to create a tighter seal against the face.

Why cloth and surgical masks aren't enough

"Basic cloth face coverings, scarves and many disposable surgical masks are not designed to filter the tiny particles found in wildfire smoke, according to IQAir.

"While those masks can help reduce the spread of large respiratory droplets during illnesses such as COVID-19, they generally do not create a tight seal around the face and allow smoke particles to leak through the sides.

The best way to protect yourself

"The EPA says wearing a respirator should not be the first line of defense against wildfire smoke.

"Instead, the agency recommends staying indoors, limiting outdoor activity, reducing physical exertion and using HEPA air cleaners when smoke levels are elevated. People who must spend extended time outside in smoky conditions may benefit from wearing a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator.

"Respirators can make breathing more difficult, particularly for people with heart or lung conditions. The EPA advises anyone with those conditions to talk with a doctor before using one. Anyone who becomes dizzy or has trouble breathing while wearing a respirator should move to cleaner air and remove the mask.

"The agency also notes that respirators are not sized for children and generally cannot provide the tight seal needed to reduce smoke exposure

Why wildfire smoke is a health concern

"Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure has also been linked to inflammation, cardiovascular problems and worsening symptoms for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

"People considered most vulnerable include older adults, young children, pregnant people and those with heart or lung disease.

"With wildfire smoke expected to continue impacting parts of the United States as Canadian fires burn, health officials say choosing the right mask, if one is needed, is more important than simply wearing any face covering."