How to Protect Your Family from NW Air Pollution

Keeping your family safe from Northwest air pollution has gotten complicated with all the wildfire smoke, urban emissions, and seasonal pollen floating around. As a parent who’s navigated several brutal smoke seasons in the PNW, I learned everything there is to know about protecting kids and family members from bad air. Today, I will share it all with you.

Learn the Air Quality Index

The AQI tells you how clean or polluted the air is right now. Get familiar with what the numbers mean and where to check them. This helps you make smart calls about outdoor activities.

• AirNow gives current readings and forecasts.
• Most weather apps and local news cover AQI too.

Know When to Stay Inside

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. When the AQI spikes, keep your family indoors. Skip the jogging, biking, and outdoor sports. Exercise makes you breathe deeper and faster, pulling more pollutants into your lungs.

• Check the AQI before planning anything outside.
• Move activities indoors or reschedule when numbers are high.

Seal Up Your House

Outdoor pollution sneaks in through gaps around windows and doors. Weather stripping and caulk close those openings. A well-sealed house keeps indoor air way cleaner than a drafty one.

• Install decent weather stripping on doors and windows.
• Check seals regularly and repair as needed.

Get Air Purifiers

HEPA filters catch tiny particles your HVAC misses. Put purifiers in rooms where your family hangs out most — living room, bedrooms.

• Look for high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) ratings.
• Replace filters when the manufacturer says to, not when they look dirty.

Windows and Doors Stay Shut

During bad air days, keep everything closed. Use AC or fans instead of opening windows for airflow. Run your air conditioning on recirculate so it’s not pulling in outside air.

• Set AC to recirculate mode.
• Stay on top of HVAC filter changes.

Plan Indoor Fun

Kids need activities, even when they can’t go outside. Set up games, puzzles, crafts — whatever keeps them entertained without exposing them to bad air.

• Keep a stash of indoor toys and games ready.
• Encourage reading, building, or art projects.

Feed Them Well

Antioxidant-rich foods help your body handle pollution effects. Colorful fruits and vegetables deliver what your family needs.

• Berries, nuts, and leafy greens are good choices.
• Variety matters — mix up the colors on the plate.

Keep Everyone Hydrated

Water helps flush toxins out. Make sure everyone’s drinking enough, especially when air quality tanks.

• Keep water bottles around for easy access.
• Cucumbers, watermelon, and other water-rich foods help too.

Teach Your Family What to Watch For

Everyone should know the signs of pollution exposure. Awareness means you can act fast if someone starts having issues.

• Explain why monitoring air quality matters.
• Watch for coughing, breathing trouble, eye irritation.

Get Involved Locally

That’s what makes air quality endearing to us PNW families — community action adds up. Work with local groups on clean air initiatives.

• Support or join local air quality campaigns.
• Tree planting and green projects help the whole neighborhood.

Keep Your Car Running Clean

Your car contributes to local pollution. Regular maintenance keeps emissions lower.

• Keep the engine tuned properly.
• Use the right oil and fuel.

Use Public Transit When You Can

Fewer cars means less pollution. Buses, trains, and carpools all help.

• Learn the local transit schedules and routes.
• Bike or walk for short trips when air quality allows.

Watch Indoor Pollution Sources

Household products create their own pollution. Choose better options and ventilate properly.

• Go for eco-friendly cleaning products.
• No smoking indoors. Limit candles and incense.

Consider a Ventilation System

Modern ventilation systems improve indoor air quality while filtering what comes in.

• Exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms remove contaminants.
• Whole-home systems provide continuous filtered air exchange.

Take Symptoms Seriously

If someone shows signs of pollution exposure, pay attention. Don’t brush off respiratory issues.

• Track any breathing problems, headaches, or fatigue.
• See a doctor if symptoms persist.

Stay Informed

Keep up with local air quality info and health guidance. Being proactive beats reacting after the fact.

• Join community groups focused on air quality.
• Follow local health departments for alerts and updates.

Add Some Houseplants

Spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants — they filter some pollutants naturally. Nice addition to your air quality toolkit.

• Pick plants known for air-cleaning properties.
• Avoid anything that triggers allergies or needs fussy care.

Stop Idling

Car exhaust concentrated near your house or your kids’ school adds up. No-idling habits help.

• Turn off the engine if you’re stopped more than 30 seconds.
• Push for no-idling zones at schools and playgrounds.

Support Clean Energy

Power generation creates a lot of pollution. Renewable energy reduces that burden.

• Choose energy providers offering renewable options.
• Solar panels or other renewable sources cut your household’s impact.