How clean air clubs are protecting Americans from wildfire smoke

Mutual aid groups, initially formed to distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) during the Covid pandemic, are now lending out air purifiers and distributing masks to communities ravaged by wildfire smoke. Miquette Thompson, a resident of rural Mendocino county in California, has been experiencing smoke from nearby fires, which have released dangerous air quality levels.

Elderly people and those with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by wildfire smoke. Thompson's local Mendo Clean Air Club began partnering with local businesses to distribute masks and air purifiers in response to the inadequate support provided by the local health department. The Mendo Clean Air Club is one of over 40 clean air clubs operating worldwide, each lending out air purifiers and masks to help local communities stay safe.

Emily Dupree, the founder of Clean Air Clubs, was inspired by the success of the lending library for masks during the Covid pandemic to create a similar resource for wildfire smoke. Within hours of launching their initiative in Chicago, the library was fully booked, demonstrating the speed and efficiency of these mutual aid groups in mobilizing resources.

Shannon Durkin, a Mask Bloc Delaware organizer with cystic fibrosis, faced discrimination and felt isolated during the Covid pandemic. In response, she and her husband launched Mask Bloc Delaware, distributing KN95 masks at protests and partnering with other organizing groups. Despite the current administration's skepticism towards masks and the Covid pandemic, the work of Clean Air Clubs and Mask Blocs remains crucial as they continue to provide vital support to communities affected by wildfire smoke.