UPDATES: See the latest on LAUSD schools | How you can donate and volunteer | How to stay safe amid unhealthy air | What to know about air purifiers | What alerts to sign up for | Resources and more things to know | PHOTOS: The Eastside grapples with effects of L.A. wildfires, windstorm
As fires tear through Los Angeles County, many areas are dealing with smoke in the air. On the Eastside, going outside and seeing specks of ash has become a reality for the past couple of days.
Just how bad is it?
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), the agency that monitors particulates in our region, the air in the Los Angeles basin is unhealthy for sensitive people, and the closer you get to the fires, the worse it gets.
You can track the air quality in your area here.
The dominant pollutant is PM2.5, also known as fine particulate matter from wildfires. Classified as microscopic particles in the air that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter, these particles are so small that they can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
According to an NPR report, a study of smoke exposure from California wildfires between 2008 and 2018 estimated that as many as 55,710 premature deaths were attributable to wildfire-related PM2.5 in the air.
For the latest on air quality, check out the South Coast AQMD app or the agency’s interactive map online.
Here’s how to handle poor air quality
Older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with heart or lung diseases (i.e. asthma) are especially vulnerable to health risks from wildfire smoke, according to South Coast AQMD.
The following are some tips from the agency when dealing with wildfires:
- Stay inside when possible
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Use an air conditioner or air purifying device to filter air indoors
- Avoid vigorous physical activities
- Go outside only when necessary
- If you must be outdoors:
- Keep your time outside brief
- Use a disposable respiratory mask
What masks are recommended?
If you have one, an N-95 of P-100 is most recommended by the agency. Children too young to wear masks should be inside as much as possible to avoid breathing issues.
Additional advice and resources from South Coast AQMD is available here.
LAist contributed to this report.