Wildfire smoke contains a complex mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons — all of which can penetrate building envelopes and accumulate in indoor air at concentrations that pose significant health risks.
Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2025 found that HEPA air purifiers operating in a single room can reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations by 65 to 90 percent during active wildfire smoke events, depending on the unit's clean air delivery rate (CADR) and room size.
The EPA's AirNow program recommends that households in areas affected by wildfire smoke use HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms and main living areas, seal gaps around windows and doors, and avoid activities that generate indoor particulates such as cooking on gas stoves and burning candles.
For restoration contractors, wildfire smoke events create both an immediate service opportunity and a long-term remediation challenge. Structures exposed to prolonged smoke infiltration may require professional cleaning of HVAC systems, ductwork, and porous surfaces to remove settled particulates and odor-causing compounds.
The IICRC S520 and S100 standards provide guidance on smoke remediation in structures, including protocols for surface cleaning, HVAC decontamination, and post-remediation air quality verification.
Industry demand for wildfire smoke remediation services has grown significantly in the western United States, with several large restoration firms reporting that smoke-related work now represents 15 to 20 percent of annual revenue in California and the Pacific Northwest.
