Where to get air purifiers and N95 masks to protect yourself from poor air quality from Canada wildfire smoke

Air purifiers can help with indoor air quality and can be purchased for quick delivery, including these models from Shark and Levoit on Amazon.

A wildfire that began on Canada's Atlantic coast in May has damaged more than 200 homes and buildings and led to the evacuation of 16,000 people. The wildfire has led to an air quality alert in central Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

The National Weather Service says a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean is drawing smoke from the wildfires into mid-Atlantic regions, leading to the hazardous air quality.

Those residing in these hazardous areas are strongly advised to refrain from spending too much time outdoors. Additionally, "sensitive groups" like those with lung or heart issues, elderly adults, children and teenagers are encouraged to limit their time outdoors.

The biggest concern right now

A number of factors go into determining when to issue an air quality alert, including the detection of fine-particle pollutants, known as "PM 2.5."

"We have defenses in our upper airway to trap larger particles and prevent them from getting down into the lungs. These are sort of the right size to get past those defenses," said Dr. David Hill, a pulmonologist in Waterbury, Connecticut, and a member of the American Lung Association's National Board of Directors. "When those particles get down into the respiratory space, they cause the body to have an inflammatory reaction to them."

Exposure to elevated fine particle pollution levels can affect the lungs and heart. For perspective, Accuweather estimates that breathing polluted air in the worst impacted ares of the Northeast for several hours would be similar to smoking five to 10 cigarettes.

What you can do to stay safe

Now is not the best time to be exercising outdoors or spending time doing yard work. If you do have to be outside for an extended period of time - or for those who work outside - you should consider wearing an N95 mask to reduce your exposure.

As smoke from the Canadian wildfires brings dangerous air quality, here's where you can buy KN95 and N95 masks, including these KN95 mask options from Amazon.

It is recommended to keep your windows and doors shuts, as well as your fireplace. You should also set your air conditioning to run on a recirculation setting.

Using a portable air purifier can reduce indoor air pollution. Air purifiers are designed to remove odors and pollutants in the air. These devices can make the air in your home cleaner and easier to breathe by eliminating up to 99.9% of allergens through HEPA filters.

Retailers like Walmart and Amazon have hair purifiers that can be delivered quickly - even next day, that can help combat the unhealthy air quality and filter the air in your home.

We’ve rounded up some of the best air purifiers on the market. And at several different price points, you’ll be sure to find an option that will fit your budget.

Nuwave OxyPure ZERO Smart Air Purifier $399

Unseen to the naked eye, you may unwittingly be inhaling billions of unseen pollutants and allergens into your lungs with every breath you take. OxyPure is proven to effectively purify 2,002 sq. ft. area in 1 hour.

LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies $99.99

Enjoy fresh air in 12 minutes with the Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier.

BreathePlus Pro Smart Air Purifier $225

Breathe+ Pro is a carbon filter air purifier that reduces up to 99.97% of smoke and VOCs in your home and office.

Winix 5500-2 Air Cleaner with Plasma Wave Technology $150.99

The Winix 5500-2 Air Cleaner replaces the wildly popular 5500-2 model.

Miko Home Air Purifier with Multiple Speeds $69.99

Air purifier gives you a breath of fresh air, cleared of allergens, particles, pet dander, dust, mold spores, and odor.

Membrane Solutions Air Purifier $99.99

MSA3 uses an upgraded version of the filter, adding OdallerPure® technology, optimizing the structure and content of activated carbon, and greatly improving the odor removal effect.

Ashley Dill covers the online shopping industry, writing about commerce. She can be reached at [email protected].

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