California Clean Air Day is right around the corner on October 1 — and as wildfire season continues, it’s a timely reminder that protecting our air is protecting our health. Organized by the Coalition for Clean Air, the annual Clean Air Day event inspires individuals and organizations to take steps, big and small, to reduce air pollution.
For the sixth year in a row, Blue Shield of California is a sponsor of California Clean Air Day.
“Air pollution and wildfires have become an unfortunate, everyday reality for Californians,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuovo, chief medical officer at Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “These events affect every facet of life — especially health — and the impacts are magnified for low-income communities where air pollution is often greater and access to mitigation efforts, like air purifiers or safe transportation, is more limited.”
Protecting yourself and your family
Dr. Nuovo recommends practical steps to prepare for and protect yourself during poor air quality days.
- Check your local air quality: Sites like AirNow.gov or local air quality apps can give real-time pollution readings.
- Keep outside air from coming in: Seal gaps around doors and windows. If your air conditioner has a “recirculate” mode, use it.
- Follow shelter-in-place orders: If officials advise staying indoors, keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor exposure.
- Know what’s happening nearby: Track wildfire updates through local news, official alerts or resources like Cal Fire.
- Find a safe place or shelter: If there’s an active wildfire, identify a safe location where you can shelter from both flames and smoke.
- Use an air purifier if possible: Choose one with a HEPA filter to help remove fine particles. Consider installing a high-efficiency HEPA cabin air filter in your car.
- Stay safe during wildfire season: Blue Shield Promise also offers additional resources including understanding your local fire alerts, how to prepare in advance, and what to do during and after a wildfire.
We can all make a difference
Dr. Nuovo shares that every small adjustment contributes to cleaner air, and small changes add up. “While we can’t prevent every smoky day, we can take steps to protect our health and reduce our contribution to air pollution. California Clean Air Day is a great reminder that every action — whether it’s sealing a window during a smoke event or advocating for greener transportation — makes a difference,” she said.
Staying safe during poor air quality days is essential, but long-term change depends on collective action. Here’s how you can get involved.
- Take the Clean Air Pledge: Commit to actions like walking (instead of driving), using public transit, planting trees or upgrading to cleaner appliances.
- Get educated and informed: Read the Blue Shield and Milliman study on how extreme heat and poor air quality affect healthcare use — especially in vulnerable communities — and why coordinated action is critical.
- Spread awareness: Share Blue Shield Promise’s wildfire safety tips and resources with neighbors.
“Each of us has a role to play in reducing air pollution and creating a healthier environment for everyone in our communities. From small daily choices to broader advocacy, these actions add up,” said Dr. Nuovo.
Blue Shield of California recently participated in a Clean Air Conversations webinar with the Coalition for Clean Air, exploring how climate challenges in California are reshaping healthcare utilization. The webinar featured actuarial and healthcare experts, including Dr. Jennifer Nuovo, chief medical officer for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. To watch the recording, click here.
To learn more about Blue Shield of California’s commitment to environmental sustainability, including setting science-based targets to reduce emissions and air pollution, visit citizenship.blueshieldca.com
Learn more about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan here.