The changing climate patterns have increased the intensity of natural calamities, including bushfires. Recent fires in Los Angeles, California have devastated infrastructure, leaving many families homeless.
Australia, too, has been facing intense bushfires due to extremely high temperatures. The consequences of these fires are dangerous, as the release of smoke makes it challenging for people to maintain indoor air quality.
The dangers are not confined to bushfire smoke; smoke, in general, is harmful and toxic. It contains particulate matter, poisonous gases, chemicals, and airborne particles that severely affect both mental and physical well-being.
Therefore, smoke control strategies should be an essential component during the building design and operation phases.
Fortunately, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has rolled out guidelines on how to mitigate smoke in buildings and maintain cleaner indoor environments.
These guidelines assist facility owners and managers in testing their systems and ensuring optimal indoor air quality during intense climate changes.
This blog post will discuss ASHRAE guidelines and updated recommendations for smoke control in indoor environments. Let’s dive in.
Why is Bushfire Smoke Hazardous?
Bushfires pose negative health impacts on those who are directly exposed to the fire as well as those affected by the smoke. Both short- and long-term exposure can result in harmful effects on human health.
Smoke penetrates the bloodstream and causes lung damage, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular diseases.
Read more about how bushfire smoke is the silent killer here.

ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024
ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024 focuses on best practices for protecting occupants from smoke through building design and operations. The ultimate goal is to reduce occupants’ prolonged exposure to smoke and minimize health effects related to events such as bushfires and prescribed burn smoke.
The guideline provides recommendations for building professionals to reduce the harmful effects of smoke. Guideline 44-2024 is intended for commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings, focusing on children and the elderly.
It suggests the installation, operation, and maintenance of ventilation systems, as well as the deployment of air filtration technologies.
What You Need to Do According to the Guidelines
In order to prepare before the bushfire season arrives, a Smoke Readiness Plan should be in place. The plan needs to be tailored to address the following:
Get Supplies Ready:
Whether you are a business owner or a resident, you need to stock up on all essential smoke control supplies, such as portable air cleaners and extra filters, before the bushfire season arrives, as these supplies often become scarce during the season. Additionally, you may need to change filters daily, as bushfire smoke can load them quickly.
Upgrade and Maintain HVAC Systems:
MERV 13 filters are recommended to mitigate smoke particles. Moreover, a comprehensive HVAC service before the fire season is important to ensure proper functioning.
Monitor PM 2.5:
Install a monitor that detects particulate matter (PM 2.5) before the bushfire season starts. While it won’t provide as accurate readings as regulatory monitors, it will still help you identify issues such as open doors and windows, poor filter performance, and the functioning of HEPA air purifiers.
Portable Air Cleaners Are a Must-Have
Portable air cleaners featuring HEPA filters are recommended when HVAC systems are insufficient to mitigate bushfire smoke particles.
A HEPA filter is a high-efficiency filter known for its superior particle removal efficiency. The clean air delivery rate for smoke particles ranges from 0.09 to 1.0 microns. HEPA air purifiers are capable of cleaning air, even with the smallest particles, as small as 0.3 microns in diameter.
Euromate Pure Air’s next-generation air cleaners feature HEPA filters with 99.995% efficiency. Our air cleaners are certified to reduce air pollutants and airborne particles, creating a hygienic and breathable environment.

Save Your Loved Ones
Don’t have adequate measures in place to deal with bushfire smoke? It’s not too late to implement precautionary measures and prepare a smoke readiness plan.
Equip your home and office with portable air cleaners today. Contact our indoor air quality experts for personalized advice on choosing the perfect air purifier for your space. Stay safe, breathe clean!