FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Erie County Health Department Distributes Free N95 Masks as Wildfire Smoke Affects Regional Air Quality
Sandusky, OH – [July 17, 2026] – With wildfire smoke originating from Canada and Minnesota drifting into the region and impacting local air quality, the Erie County Health Department (ECHD) is taking proactive steps to protect community wellness. Effective immediately, ECHD is making high-quality, professional-grade N95 masks available to the public completely free of charge.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter—often referred to as PM2.5—which can easily bypass the body’s natural defenses and penetrate deep into the lungs. Standard cloth or surgical masks do not provide adequate protection against these microscopic particles. Properly fitted N95 respirators, however, are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, helping to safeguard your respiratory system during poor outdoor air quality conditions.
While anyone can experience health symptoms from poor air quality, ECHD strongly urges high-risk individuals, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions like asthma or COPD, to take extra precautions and limit their outdoor exposure.
“When air quality degrades due to drift smoke, protecting our community’s lungs is our top priority,” said Peter T. Schade, Erie County Health Commissioner. “By providing these N95 masks free of charge, we hope to give our residents—especially our most vulnerable populations—the direct, physical protection they need to stay safe while outdoors.”
How to Get Your Free Masks:
Residents can pick up free N95 masks during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). No appointment, paperwork, or proof of insurance is required.
- Location: Erie County Health Department Main Campus
- Address: 420 Superior Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
The Health Department also advises residents to monitor local air quality indexes (AQI) daily, keep windows closed during high-drift periods, and run indoor air purifiers if possible. For more information regarding mask distribution or general health tips during air quality advisories, please visit eriecohealthohio.com or call the Health Department at (419) 626-5623.
About Erie County Health Department:
The Erie County Health Department remains dedicated to improving the health and wellness of all residents through accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive healthcare services. ECHD operates the Erie County Community Health Center, the Erie County Detox, Kaptur Rogowski House, and Compass Point, providing adult day services for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients.
For more information about Health Department or Health Center services, visit www.ErieCoHealthOhio.com.
