Tens of thousands of people are Evacuate Los Angeles as wildfires rage across the region, leaving dangerous smoke and billowing ash in its wake.
Wildfire smoke is a “complex mixture” of pollutants that can cause anywhere minor health effects for those that are more serious, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That’s because the particles in the smoke irritate the respiratory tract, affecting the body’s ability to function, even among those who are healthy, and even the short-term exposure of just a few people. days can have serious consequences.
On Wednesday, the air in Los Angeles was considered “hazardous,” according to AirNow, a government-run air quality data site. A day earlier, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued a smoke advisory, stating that “the smoke impact from the Palisades Wildfire burning has caused unhealthy air quality in Los Angeles County.”
“The main health problem is the small particles, which can cause burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headache and illness (bronchitis),” the advisory said.
Poor air quality is especially dangerous for more sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
In a statement Wednesday, the Los Angeles Unified School District said: “Individuals with chronic health and/or respiratory conditions should not attend school or work.”
Particulate matter in smoke “is important because it irritates the bronchi, the small tubes that go to your lungs and connect to the alveoli, the sacs that allow you to breathe,” rheumatologist Dr. Bob Lahita previously told CBS Newssaying that anyone belonging to the sensitive groups should avoid going outside.
And you don’t have to be directly affected by wildfires to experience health impacts.
Pollution from wildfire smoke can rise up to 14 miles into the air and then be carried by wind currents. That’s why it affects everyone,” said pulmonologist Dr. Neha Solanki in a 2021 Cleveland Clinic post. “So even if you don’t live near wildfires, you’re still exposed to all that toxic pollution.”
How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke in California
In zones with poor air quality, experts recommend staying indoors and reducing activity levels – but if that’s not possible, there are precautions people can take.
Wear a mask to limit exposure outdoors. N95 masks are the best option for reducing your exposure to pollutants, Lahita said, but if you don’t have them, surgical masks or even a scarf over your nose and mouth are better than nothing.
According to AirNow, using a portable air purifier can reduce indoor air pollution.
“Make sure the size is appropriate for the room and that it does not create ozone, which is a harmful air pollutant,” the organization says.
If you have filters on your home HVAC system, make sure they are up to date and of high quality.
Experts also recommend running the air conditioning in your home and car on recirculation to prevent outside air from coming in.
Also do not contribute to indoor air pollution.
“Do not burn candles or use gas, propane, wood stoves, fireplaces, or aerosol cans,” according to AirNow’s guide to reducing smoke exposure. “Do not roast or broil meat, smoke tobacco products, or vacuum. All of these can increase indoor air pollution.”
Li Cohen contributed to this report.
