Ohio air quality alert: Wildfire smoke drives demand for masks, air filters

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a statewide air quality alert as Canadian wildfire smoke moves into the region, prompting residents to stock up on protective masks and air filters.

At stores across the state, customers are searching for N95-style respirators and home air filtration products. Health officials say N95-style respirators are the best option for smoke protection because they filter fine particles that typical surgical masks do not.

Stores see surge in mask and filter demand

Marcie Kozyra who was shopping at Discount Drug Mart on Fulton Road said she was relieved to find masks available. “I’m very happy to have this. Gives me a lot of peace of mind to be able to get these masks,” she said. She said she was specifically seeking out a mask rated for fine particles. “This is the particular mask (KN95) that I’m looking for. It filters in fine particles,” she said.

E & H Ace Hardware store manager Anthony Thomas said the demand started early. “First customers of the day, two contractors wanting air masks,” Thomas said.

He says customers are also asking about home air filters and that filters may need to be replaced more frequently than usual. “In my opinion, you should change them every 30 days, because if you look at it, especially now, your filter is definitely going to be dirty 30 days from now,” Thomas said.

Experts recommend limiting outdoor exposure

Experts say residents should limit time outside when air quality is unhealthy, use a well-fitting N95 when outdoors, and check home HVAC filters, as smoke can clog them faster than normal.

Kozyra said concern for her family drove her to find the best available protection. “Because of the air quality today, I’m very concerned for my family. To have actually the best mask that they can have under the circumstances, if we have to be in and out like you and I do, we might as well have a better mask on,” she said.

Demand compared to COVID-era buying

Peyton Markley, assistant manager at Discount Drug Market on Fulton Road, said the buying surge is unlike anything seen recently. “I personally have been seeing people buying face masks this much since COVID,” Markley said.

Markley said supervisors plan to hand-deliver additional masks to stores within the next few days rather than wait for delivery trucks. “I don’t think anyone was expecting the air to get that bad this fast,” Markley said.

The Ohio EPA says the alert will remain in effect until the smoke clears. Forecasters say that could be Friday.