Photo: While many commercial HVAC systems come equipped with MERV-rated filters, these aren’t necessarily sufficient when wildfire smoke rolls in. | Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
By Shawn Gilstorf
As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, the effects are being felt far beyond the burn zone. Smoke from wildfires now travels hundreds or even thousands of miles, seeping into urban environments and enclosed spaces where people expect to be safe—such as hospitals, pharmaceutical labs and outpatient facilities.
The danger doesn’t stop at poor visibility or a faint burning smell. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), all of which pose serious health risks and threaten the performance of high-sensitivity environments. For facility managers responsible for the air quality of critical infrastructure, the stakes are only getting higher.
Standard HVAC systems often aren’t designed to handle the specific pollutants generated by wildfires. The smoke carries microscopic particles and gases that can penetrate basic filters and accumulate in ventilation systems, compromising both air quality and equipment integrity.
A Growing Challenge for Building Operators
The data is sobering. According to the EPA, PM2.5 particles—those measuring 2.5 microns or smaller—can lodge deep into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. VOCs, which include carcinogenic compounds like benzene and formaldehyde, can cause headaches, nausea and long-term health issues. Even a minor lapse in air quality control can have life-or-death implications for vulnerable patients in healthcare environments. Moreover, the operational risks extend beyond human health; poor air quality can degrade sensitive electronic components. Pharmaceutical labs and clean rooms require strict particulate control.
Beyond Standard Filters: The Case for Advanced Filtration
While many commercial HVAC systems come equipped with MERV-rated filters, these aren’t necessarily sufficient when wildfire smoke rolls in. Traditional filters are built to trap larger dust and pollen particles. But PM2.5 is incredibly fine—it behaves more like a gas than a solid—and requires a more strategic approach to filtration.
That strategy often includes upgrading to HEPA-level or custom-engineered filters as well as integrating activated-carbon technology, which targets gaseous contaminants like VOCs and NOx. Rensa Filtration specializes in this kind of tailored solution, providing high-efficiency filters designed to meet the unique demands of each facility’s environment, occupancy and HVAC system architecture.
Activated carbon works through adsorption, not absorption—many of these harmful VOCs condense onto the surface of carbon and are captured in the internal micropores within its structure. It’s one of the most effective methods for capturing the invisible threats of wildfire smoke.
Facility Manager Playbook: Immediate Steps to Take
Whether your facility is a regional hospital, a cloud-computing hub, or a biotech lab, the need to get ahead of wildfire smoke is increasingly urgent, and Rensa Filtration recommends the following steps:
- Assess Filter Efficiency: Ensure current filters are rated for fine particulates. MERV-13 or higher is a good baseline, but facilities in smoke-prone areas should consider HEPA or custom multi-stage systems.
- Incorporate Gas Phase Filtration: VOCs and NOx require activated carbon or other sorbent media—not just particulate filters.
- Seal the Envelope: Prevent unfiltered outdoor air from infiltrating the building by improving insulation and sealing gaps around doors, windows and intake vents.
- Monitor Indoor Air Quality: Real-time air-quality sensors can provide data on PM2.5 and VOC levels, giving facility managers a crucial early warning system.
- Build a Response Plan: Establish protocols for filter changes during wildfire events, including pre-purchasing replacement filters and identifying trigger thresholds for air quality alerts.
Looking Ahead: A New Standard for Resilience
The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires demand a shift in thinking. For years, energy efficiency was the primary focus of HVAC strategy—but today, health and risk mitigation are equally critical.
Building operators need to start thinking of filtration not just as a maintenance issue but as a frontline defense against environmental threats. It’s no longer a question of if a facility will be affected by wildfire smoke—it’s when. Rensa Filtration can serve as a technical resource and share best practices on this topic to help engineers and facility operators make informed decisions.
As buildings become smarter and more connected, HVAC systems must follow suit—becoming more adaptive, resilient, and focused on protecting the people and processes inside. With wildfire smoke now an unavoidable reality, the pressure is on to act before the smoke rolls in.
Shawn Gilstorf is president of D-Mark, a Rensa Filtration Company specializing in advanced molecular filtration solutions and manufacturing for critical facilities. With decades of experience in commercial air quality, Gilstorf helps clients navigate complex environmental challenges with tailored filtration strategies
