What’s Indoor Air Quality Like in Long-Term Care Facilities During Wildfires? Worse Than You’d Think

January 23, 2024

California wildfire

(KFF Health News) – “An astonishing amount of smoke gets inside these facilities,” said Luke Montrose, an environmental toxicologist and researcher at Colorado State University. Data from monitors Montrose installed in four Idaho long-term care facilities in 2020 showed that large amounts of smoke pollution recorded outside during wildfire season seeped into the facilities. One building let in 50% of the particulate matter outside; another, 100%. In some cases, Montrose said, “it was no better to be inside than to be outside during those smoke events.” (Read More)