Protect Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash
Wildfire smoke and ash are impacting large portions of the Western United States.
Children are especially vulnerable to the health impacts smoke and ash, as their lungs are still growing and developing. Tiny particles (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke can also affect the health of people who are expecting and other vulnerable groups.
Do not rely on masks for protection from smoke. Paint, dust, cloth, and surgical masks, even N95 masks, are not made to fit children and will not protect children from breathing wildfire smoke. After a wildfire, children should not be doing any cleanup work – fires may deposit large amounts of ash and dust with harmful chemicals.
The President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children issued an email alert with full list of resources on wildfires and children’s health.
At a quick glance, learn what actions you can take to protect children in the Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash factsheet.
Smoke from a wildfire can be a stressful reminder of a nearby threat. The Coping with the Stress of Wildfire Smoke factsheet has information on how to care for children’s mental health during these events.
California Wildfires
Get the latest information from FEMA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Also available in Spanish.
Learn how the U.S. government is responding, and find resources to help you recover from the disaster. Also available in Spanish.
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