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As wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds rage across Los Angeles, health officials are issuing critical warnings about hidden threats in the air: smoke, ash, and toxic dust particles originating from active fire zones and burn scars.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released an advisory for windblown ash and dust, effective until 7 p.m. Wednesday. Ash from fire zones, including the Palisades, Eaton, and other burn areas, poses risks even in areas far from the flames, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Unseen but Dangerous: The Threat of Ash and Smoke
While ash particles may be visible on surfaces or in the air, they are often too large to affect Air Quality Index (AQI) readings. Despite this, experts warn they are still hazardous. Anne Kelsey Lamb, director of Regional Asthma Management and Prevention, explains that wildfire smoke contains particulate matter, or PM2.5, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to respiratory and systemic health issues.
Sensitive groups—including children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart disease—are especially vulnerable. But even healthy individuals are at risk of developing respiratory problems after exposure.
More Than Just Smoke: Toxic Materials in the Air
Wildfire smoke in urban areas contains more than just burnt wood. Anthony Wexler, director of the Air Quality Research Center at UC Davis, highlights that burning homes, vehicles, and furniture release hazardous substances like asbestos, lead, arsenic, and plastics-derived chemicals. These compounds increase the toxicity of the smoke, making it more harmful than typical air pollution.
Research, such as a study from the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, underscores the long-term consequences. Between 2006 and 2017, fine particulate matter from wildfires contributed to over 55,000 premature deaths in the U.S.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Public health officials urge residents to take precautions:
- Stay indoors: Keep windows and doors closed.
- Use protective gear: Wear N95 masks, gloves, and eye protection when outside or cleaning ash.
- Avoid outdoor activities: Minimize exposure to harmful pollutants.
- Shave facial hair: For a proper seal, men with beards should trim or shave before wearing masks.
Clothing worn outdoors should be removed and washed immediately to prevent bringing harmful particles inside.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Pets are also vulnerable to smoke exposure. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises keeping animals indoors, limiting outdoor time, and monitoring for signs of respiratory distress, especially in birds and pets with pre-existing conditions.
Monitoring Air Quality
Even though ash particles may not show up in AQI readings, tools like AirNow, Purple Air, and South Coast AQMD maps can help track air quality. Residents should remain vigilant and follow updates from local health officials.
As wildfire events become more frequent and severe, experts emphasize the importance of adapting to these “new normals.” Protecting yourself, your family, and your community from wildfire smoke is a critical step in mitigating its health impacts.
For more information, visit local health department advisories or air quality monitoring websites. Stay safe, Los Angeles.
