Exposure to Smoke from Wildfires | NIOSH-Approved PPE

SUBJECT: WILDFIRES- INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC AND WILDFIRE FIREFIGHTERS
ORIGIN: Moldex Technical Services Department
REVIEWED/UPDATED: October 2025

Overview

Wildfires can result in tragic consequences including the loss of life and property. Additionally, cleanup and being unable to adequately remove oneself or their family from the smoke can be an annoyance and a hazard. Smoke is a very complex mixture of substances in various forms. Smoke resulting from fire includes gases, vapors, mists and particulates. Some of these components can be toxic if their exposures exceed certain limits. For example, some of the dangerous gaseous components include CO, CO₂, Benzene, and other toxic combustion products which depend on what is burning and the temperature of the flames. Some of the dusts created, such as soot and ash, pose more of a nuisance than a health risk, although some of these substances can be toxic. This also applies to the mists formed from fires.

The health effects of smoke can be varied and can include coughing, scratchy throat, sinus irritation, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, stinging eyes, runny nose and the exacerbation of asthma attacks. Chronic exposures have been identified by some researchers as a potential contributing factor to certain diseases, including cancer. Although the best method of reducing exposure and the resultant effects is removing oneself and/or family from the exposure, this is not always possible. There may be situations where the use of NIOSH certified particulate filtering facepiece respirators may be helpful in reducing some of the exposures to the particulate portion of the smoke. These respirators (also commonly referred to as masks) will not remove gases or vapors and do not provide oxygen. The CDC states that, under certain circumstances, people “may benefit from using a tight-fitting N95 or P100 respirator to reduce their exposure” (see link #3 below). There may also be situations where a health and safety professional determines that other types of respirators may be appropriate.

Any type of respirator (including all of the foregoing) should be used with caution. None of those noted above supply oxygen and each one has different applications. Additionally, a respirator can only provide protection if it is properly fitted. Fit testing can only be performed by someone, such as an industrial hygienist, safety professional or occupational nurse, who has been trained in the appropriate fitting procedures.

If you want to use a respirator you must first consult a health and safety professional, local authorities, your employer, or other appropriate entities.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE USE OF NIOSH APPROVED RESPIRATORS

The proper use of a respirator does not ensure that you will not become sick. Before a respirator is used one must consider and be aware of the following facts:

NIOSH certified respirators are approved for industrial use situations where an employer has a comprehensive respiratory protection program in place.
Respirators may reduce, but will not eliminate certain hazards or risk of disease.
Respirators must be worn throughout the entire exposure period.
People with asthma, emphysema, other respiratory illnesses or heart disease must consult with a physician before using a respirator.
If you experience any adverse health effects such as dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, or irritation you should go to a clean area and remove the respirator. Do not wear the respirator again until you consult with a physician.
Moldex-Metric respirators are not designed for use by children.
Fit is of the utmost importance. A respirator may not work properly unless it fits properly. One must read and comply with user instructions and also be fit tested and trained by a health and safety professional.
One must be clean shaven when using a respirator. Nothing must come between the respirator and the face; this includes but is not limited to eyewear, jewelry or clothing.
One must fully understand the limitations of the respirator. You must read all instructions, warnings and limitations that are provided on each box or bag of respirators.
Failure to follow all instructions and warnings on the proper use of the respirator my reduce respirator effectiveness, wearer protection, and may result in sickness or death.

Reference

For more information on respiratory protection refer to the following links:

https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-144/

https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/respiratory-protection-no-niosh_0.pdf

OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, 29CFR 1910.134:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134

NIOSH Fighting Wildfires:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/about/wildfires.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/firefighting/

CAL OSHA:

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/doshreg/Protection-from-Wildfire-Smoke/Wildfire-smoke-emergency-standard.html

Moldex^® Respiratory Protection including; N95, N99, N100 and P100’s:

Moldex^® Disposable Respirators

Moldex^® Fit-testing and fitting instructions:

https://www.moldex.com/resources/setting-respiratory-protection-program/fit-testing/

WARNING: The information contained in this Tech Brief is dated and was accurate to the best of Moldex’s knowledge, on the date above. It is not meant to be comprehensive, nor is it intended to be used in place of the warning/use instructions that accompany Moldex respirators. Outside of the USA, check with all applicable and local government regulations.

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