Wildfire Season Has Become a Business Risk Every Facility and CRE Leader Should Plan For in 2026

Wildfire season strains buildings and people. See how facilities can prepare in 2026 to reduce costs, protect tenants, and build resilience.

Ava Montini

Mar 11, 2026

Written by

Published on

The Business Side of Smoke Days

When wildfire smoke drifts into a region, the strain on buildings is both immediate and multi-layered. Filters load faster, pushing fans to use more power just to keep airflow steady (EPA). As systems deviate, alarms trigger more frequently, and maintenance teams are pulled from planned tasks into reactive changeouts (Facility Executive). Meanwhile, vendors across the region see surging demand; parts and pads that usually arrive in days might take a week or more (NC State). That delay alone can unravel even the most rigorously planned preventive maintenance schedules.

Inside the building, occupants feel a different side of the same event. They note scratchy throats, irritated eyes, or rooms that feel stale or “heavier” when fresh air intake is reduced (AirNow). They see Air Quality Index alerts on their phones and news headlines escalating (EPA AQI). In those moments, the question is no longer just whether systems are responding, it’s: Is the building protecting me? When communication is missing or unclear, perception can trump technical measures, tipping the balance from confidence to complaints (BOMA).

Why It Matters More in 2026

The stakes are rising. Multiple studies show that during wildfire events, indoor air can reach one-third to three-quarters of outdoor particulate concentrations in buildings lacking robust mitigation (PMC). Residential buildings in fire-affected areas have shown infiltration ratios reflective of this risk (PMC). In some wildfire-impacted care environments, indoor concentrations have peaked near 200 µg/m³ (NCBI). In contrast, well-configured filtration systems often reduce that exposure to roughly 43% of outdoor levels, showing how effectively mitigation can work (NCCEH).

The human health impacts are significant. Fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) is linked to asthma flare-ups, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular stress (EPA). Sensitive populations (children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions) are most at risk (CDC). However, research also shows that even healthy adults are not immune to short-term exposure (PubMed). Harvard-led studies estimate that wildfire smoke has caused over 15,000 premature deaths in the U.S. in recent decades, with an associated economic burden of $160 billion (Harvard). For employers and property leaders, this translates into absenteeism, healthcare costs, and measurable productivity loss (National Bureau of Economic Research).

At the same time, smoke is a mechanical stressor. It accelerates filter clogging, pushes fans outside their normal operating range, and drives up energy consumption (ScienceDirect). Facility executives consistently report higher unplanned maintenance costs during wildfire season, along with shortened asset life for critical HVAC equipment (Facility Executive). Viewed at scale, these costs ripple upward into operational budgets and capital planning, making smoke days not just a maintenance issue but a financial liability.

What Smoke Events Do to Commercial HVAC Systems

Wildfire smoke can be seen as just “dirty air", but to get deeper, it is a dense mix of ultrafine particles, ash, organic compounds, and combustion byproducts that behave differently from typical urban pollution.

When these particles enter HVAC systems, three operational challenges occur simultaneously:

Rapid filter loading and front loading: Fine smoke particles quickly accumulate on the front face of filter media rather than distributing evenly through the depth of the filter. This “front loading” effect increases resistance to airflow much faster than normal particulate loading.
Fan energy increases: As pressure across the filter bank rises, fans must work harder to maintain airflow.
Airflow imbalance: Systems designed for stable pressure conditions may struggle to maintain balanced ventilation across zones.

During heavy smoke events, these mechanical effects can compound quickly. What begins as a minor filtration issue can cascade into comfort complaints, airflow deviations, and unexpected service calls.

Rethinking Preparedness

Preparedness today requires more than having spare filters in storage. Facilities that treat smoke season as part of their risk portfolio are proving more resilient. Research shows that buildings operating with lower baseline pressure drops have more headroom when smoke events occur, allowing systems to maintain airflow without tipping into alarm states (ScienceDirect). Forward-looking teams also map their most critical zones (like labs, classrooms, care units, or executive suites) and prioritize them during smoke events, an approach recommended in EPA guidance for schools and commercial buildings (EPA).

Another resilience factor is vendor readiness. Case studies after the 2020 smoke season showed that supply chain bottlenecks caused delays of days to weeks in replacing filters and components, leaving unprepared facilities exposed (NC State). Facilities that negotiated priority contracts in advance were able to maintain schedules even during regional demand surges. Similarly, using AQI forecasts and on-site PM₂.₅ sensors has been shown to improve response times; by acting early, facilities reduce exposure and minimize tenant complaints (PMC).

Wildfire readiness also intersects with broader sustainability and ESG commitments. Poor indoor air quality during smoke events undermines health-related certifications like WELL and LEED, while higher fan energy use increases a building’s carbon footprint (USGBC; IWBI). Integrating smoke resilience into ESG strategies provides measurable benefits for investors and stakeholders while demonstrating a proactive approach to tenant wellness.

Three Questions Facility Leaders Should Ask Before Smoke Season

Forward-looking facility teams increasingly treat wildfire smoke the same way they treat winter storms or heat waves: as a seasonal operational risk.

Before wildfire season begins, three questions can help identify vulnerabilities:

1. How much airflow headroom does the HVAC system have?

Buildings operating near maximum pressure limits may struggle when filters load rapidly during smoke events.

2. Are replacement filters and components secured in advance?

Regional smoke events often trigger sudden demand spikes, delaying shipments and increasing costs.

3. Are response protocols clearly defined?

Teams should know when to increase filtration, adjust outdoor air intake, and communicate with tenants.

Facilities that answer these questions early often respond faster and maintain better building performance during smoke days.

The Bottom Line

Facilities without strong preparedness can see indoor pollutant levels rise to 75% of outdoor concentrations during wildfire events, while prepared buildings cut that exposure nearly in half (NCCEH). Harvard-led analyses estimate that wildfire smoke causes tens of billions of dollars in annual economic damage, largely through absenteeism and healthcare costs (Harvard). From a mechanical standpoint, smoke accelerates filter clogging, forces fans to operate at higher energy use, and shortens asset lifespan, driving up costs across operations and capital planning (Facility Executive).

The buildings that are prepared today will reduce alarms, complaints, and unplanned expenses tomorrow, while earning the trust of the people inside. Tenants will remember which buildings felt steady, cared for, and resilient when the outside air was anything but.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Schools: Student Health and Performance

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 28, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

rear room view of an elementary classroom with various student's hands raised and the female teacher blurred at the front of the classroom — Students exposed to poor Indoor Air Quality may experience difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and a decline in productivity and overall well-being.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of educational environments. The quality of air inside schools has a direct impact on student health and academic performance. In this blog, we will explore the significance of IAQ in schools and how it influences students’ well-being and learning outcomes.

To comprehend the importance of IAQ, it’s crucial to understand its components. IAQ refers to the condition of the air within buildings, including its purity, temperature, humidity, and ventilation.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in Schools

Sources of indoor air pollution in schools can vary, but here are some common ones:

Building Materials: Some building materials used in schools, such as certain types of paint, adhesives, and flooring materials, can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution
Cleaning Products: Cleaning chemicals, including disinfectants, floor cleaners, and aerosol sprays, often contain harmful chemicals that can release fumes and particles into the air, affecting indoor air quality.
HVAC Systems: Poorly maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can accumulate dust, mould, and other contaminants, which are then circulated throughout the building, compromising air quality.
Mould and Moisture: Moisture problems, such as leaks or high humidity levels, can lead to the growth of mould and mildew. These can release spores and mycotoxins into the air, posing health risks.
Pests and Pest Control: The presence of pests like rodents and insects in schools can introduce allergens and contaminants. The use of pesticides and insecticides for pest control can also contribute to indoor air pollution.
Outdoor Air Pollution: Pollutants from outdoor sources, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities, can infiltrate schools through poorly sealed windows, doors, or ventilation systems, compromising indoor air quality.
Combustion Sources: Schools with combustion appliances, such as furnaces, boilers, or stoves, can emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter, which can be harmful when not adequately vented.
Personal Care Products: Students and staff using personal care products, such as perfumes, colognes, and hair sprays, can contribute to indoor air pollution by releasing VOCs.
Classroom Supplies: Various classroom supplies, including art materials, science lab chemicals, and glues, may contain hazardous substances that can release fumes or particles when used.
Outdoor Contaminants: Pollen, allergens, and pollutants brought in from outdoors on clothing, shoes, or through open doors and windows can contribute to indoor air pollution.

It’s essential for schools to identify and mitigate these sources of indoor air pollution through adequate ventilation, regular maintenance, proper cleaning protocols, and the use of low-emission materials and products.

Impact of Poor IAQ on Students

Graphic illustration showcasing the various IAQ elements that affect Children vs Adults — Illnesses caused by poor IAQ have resulted in more sick days, from school, due to respiratory-related health problems.

Poor IAQ can have severe consequences for student health. It contributes to respiratory issues like asthma and allergies, increases the risk of infections and illnesses, and hampers cognitive function. Students exposed to poor IAQ may experience difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and a decline in overall well-being.

Student Health

According to the EPA, the term “sick building syndrome” (SBS) describes situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.

Sick building syndrome has been reported by students in schools with poor IAQ. It is a condition that impacts employees or students that spend a lot of time indoors and is caused by unhealthy or stressful factors, i.e. poor ventilation. Illnesses caused by poor IAQ have resulted in more sick days, from school, due to respiratory-related health problems.

Cognitive Development and Academic Performance

Lack of adequate ventilation has been associated with poor cognitive development, especially in primary school age groups. An experiment was conducted through a Texas school district to improve the air quality condition in schools, which determined that IAQ improvements resulted in improved standardized test performance.

In another experiment, the average ventilation improvement project improved math and reading scores by 0.07 standard deviations (SDS) and 0.11 SDS, increasing the probability of passing these tests by 2–3%.

Increased Risks of Asthma and Respiratory Issues

Respiratory problems such as asthma are also aggravated due to air pollution in schools. A study has shown the possibility of reducing asthma incidents from 16% to 13% among children by simply applying filters for PM 2.5 in the classrooms.

Other respiratory health effects include:

Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Airway inflammation & irritation
Irregular heartbeat
Lung damage

Simple Solutions to Help Manage Indoor Air Quality in School Classrooms

Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation uses ducts and fans to draw in and distribute fresh air, and can even exhaust air from specific areas. In schools, mechanical ventilation uses HVAC systems or unit ventilators. To further enhance ventilation levels, air purification systems can be installed within existing ventilation systems or unit ventilators to achieve better air quality and reduce indoor air pollution levels.

Natural Ventilation

Simply opening a window or door encourages better airflow within an enclosed room. A study completed in 2017 proves a significant improvement in IAQ, specifically CO2 levels in a room with a group of 4-6 persons, by simply opening a window.

Illustration of how cross ventilation works, pulling air in from an open window and ventilating the rooms air through another open window — Cross ventilation allows a breeze to enter, flow through and exit within an enclosed area.

Additionally, cross ventilation is a highly effective method of promoting good airflow; Allowing a breeze to enter, flow through and exit within an enclosed area. This ventilation method encourages continuous airflow by pulling air from openings on one side of a building and through to the other.

Regular Cleaning & Dusting

Preventing any buildup of animal dander, dust mite matter, and pollen can improve indoor air quality. The American Lung Association recommends incorporating dusting into your regular cleaning routine, which can reduce the amount of dust and improve overall indoor air quality in your home.

Natural Cleaning Products

Substitute bi-products with natural-based products for cleaning agents to reduce indoor VOCs. A study conducted in Brisbane, Australia, in over 25 primary schools – to identify the VOCs’ sources – deduced that chemical-based cleaning products alone caused 41% of indoor VOCs. The synthetic fragrances found in cleaning and maintenance products contribute to air contamination.

Building Design

The design of school and childcare facilities can contribute to minimizing children’s exposure to air pollution while onsite. This may entail locating the most frequented rooms or areas as far away from road traffic as possible, shielding the playground behind buildings, walls or green infrastructure (i.e. using plants), and allowing natural ventilation patterns that promote pollutant dispersion. Green infrastructure can filter some air pollutants and alter the airflow — thus changing pollution concentrations in local microenvironments.

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