January 2019 – July 2022
The hazards of wildfires are well known, but smoke is a more likely and prevalent threat this time of year. The Lab’s Facilities and Environmental Health and Safety divisions have made several changes to help mitigate the adverse effects before and during smoke events. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2021/08/17/smoke-gets-in-your-eyes-mitigating-the-effects-of-wildfire-smoke/
With frequent and intense fire seasons affecting many parts of the U.S., low-cost air quality monitors have come to the market to help consumers check the pollutant levels in their own homes and neighborhoods. Are these low-cost monitors any good? Lab researchers set out to find the answer. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2020/08/18/low-cost-home-air-quality-monitors-prove-useful-for-wildfire-smoke/
The Lab’s Environment, Health & Safety division has launched a new website with information and links to help employees and visitors learn about air quality and steps to protect themselves from the effects of wildfire smoke. Learn more about how you can prepare for wildfire season. https://wildfiresmoke.lbl.gov/
The time to plan for wildfire smoke is before it happens, and protecting your health is a big part of preparing. Talk with your doctor now if you have, or think you might have, health conditions that could be made worse by smoke. https://youtu.be/fgrV-eA8EpY
The Lab’s 18-member Transportation, Shipping & Receiving team handles up to 13,000 packages and mail items monthly. From envelopes to huge scientific instruments, this team delivers through pandemic, wildfire smoke, and Berkeley fog. https://youtu.be/fkPmjNEcNe0
COVID-19 dominated the news this year, so it’s no surprise that research to combat the virus was among the Lab’s top 10 science stories in 2020, which also included urgent (wildfire smoke monitors), astounding (Nobel Prize), and intriguing (crush-resistant beetles) news. See the full list. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2020/12/22/berkeley-labs-top-10-science-stories-of-2020/
Recently two working groups reviewed the air quality in Lab buildings in light of COVID-19 and wildfire smoke. Five of the group members will take questions tomorrow, Sept. 23, in a noon brown bag session. You can learn more in this roundtable interview with the panelists prior to the brown bag. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2020/09/21/air-quality-at-the-lab/
Join five working group members from two Lab working groups in a brown bag session on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at noon. The working groups looked at air quality in light of COVID-19 and how wildfire smoke can be mitigated in our buildings. Learn more about their recommendations. https://calendar.google.com/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=MTBqczVjam92Z3VvMThsMzgyOXZvb2MxanUgbGJsLmdvdl80czRycmcxMmw2ZXFnNm5jbWMya3QwdmNnZ0Bn&tmsrc=lbl.gov_4s4rrg12l6eqg6ncmc2kt0vcgg%40group.calendar.google.com
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (left) recently visited the Lab and met with researchers to discuss high performance computing and earthquake and climate modeling, biosciences and the circular economy, air quality and wildfire smoke, microgrids, and helping the state build resilience to climate change.
In the case of wildfires, those working at the Lab’s main site should know the location of SAFE buildings. These buildings — marked with bright blue signs — are built of steel or concrete, have interior sprinkler systems, defensible spaces outside, and ventilation systems that reduce smoke intake. https://site-security.lbl.gov/resource/emergency-management-resources/safe-buildings/