L.A. Air Is Unsafe to Breathe — Here's How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Fast-growing wildfires across Los Angeles began on Tuesday, January 7, and soon had tens of thousands of residents scrambling to escape flames and plumes of smoke.

Since the fires are out of control, the resulting smoke poses a significant health risk to people in the surrounding areas.

An air meter in downtown Los Angeles recorded the highest hourly level of fine particulate pollution at 483.7 micrograms per cubic meter, LA Times reports. The federal limit for average daily concentrations is 35.

The World Health Organization says health problems related to air pollution contribute to millions of deaths annually. In 2019, approximately 4.2 million deaths were linked to fine particulate matter (PM). The nearly microscopic toxic particles — which generally consist of nitrates, sulfates, ammonia, sodium chloride, mineral dust and black carbon — can enter your lungs and bloodstream, wreaking havoc on your body and lowering your immune response, making you more susceptible to other health problems .

Here’s how to protect yourself from dangerous air quality.

LA fires live: Death toll unknown, officials now say, as fires continue to burn across region

Residents walk past houses destroyed by the fire in Eaton.

ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

Check your air filters

The US Environmental Protection Agency says filters should be checked daily during a fire because smoke can quickly clog the filter with particles. When the filter is dark brown or gray in color or smells like smoke, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

Wear protective masks

dr. Suzanne Paulson, professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences and director of UCLA’s Clean Air Center, previously spoke with PEOPLE about wildfire safety and advised people to stay indoors when smoke levels are high. If that’s not an option, she recommends using a protective device—beyond just a thin mouth guard.

“Most of the things people carry are waste,” she said. “Marsina doesn’t do anything, and a surgical mask doesn’t do anything.”

Instead, Paulson and most health officials recommend N95 respirators, which are available at hardware stores for about $10. N95 masks protect against smoke and ash.

“If they fit tightly against the face so that the air goes through them and not around them, they are very useful for reducing exposure,” she said. “They’re not a huge nuisance and people should absolutely wear them if the air quality is bad and they’re out and about.”

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A firefighter battles the Palisades fire.

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Avoid adding indoor air pollution

The CDC recommends people keep windows closed and avoid the following while at home, which can increase indoor air pollution: burning candles or using gas, propane, wood stoves, fireplaces, or aerosol sprays; frying or roasting meat; tobacco products for smoking; or suction.

Using portable air purifiers in the home can also be beneficial.

Protect yourself from ash

Forest fires leave behind a lot of ash that can irritate eyes and skin. The CDC urges those in surrounding areas to protect themselves by wearing gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and shoes and socks to protect their skin and eye protection.

In addition, residents should wash away any ash they may come in contact with as soon as possible.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education