Los Angeles County and surrounding areas have experienced four wildfires this week, posing serious risks to residents’ lives and health. The air quality in several cities near the fire sites deteriorated drastically the following day, especially in Pasadena, with a pungent smoke smell lingering in the atmosphere. In response to the severe air pollution, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and doctors have provided some recommendations.
According to AirNow, an air quality monitoring website operated by the federal government, cities near the “Eaton Fire” blaze, including downtown Los Angeles, Torrance, Huntington Park, Alhambra, Pasadena, South Pasadena, parts of Monterey Park, Temple City, San Gabriel, Rosemead, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, and Monrovia, have PM2.5 levels ranging from 140 to 250, indicating severe pollution harmful to human health. In parts of Pasadena north of Interstate 210, near the fire site, the air pollution index even approached 260.
Smoke from wildfires can rise up to 14 miles high and spread to affect more areas with the wind. Due to the prevailing northeast winds, areas farther from the fire like El Monte, Baldwin Park, Duarte to the south and east experience moderate pollution with PM2.5 levels around 60 to 80; even Orange County downwind is also affected, while areas like Rowland Heights and Diamond Bar, where many Chinese reside, have good air quality. With the rapidly changing fire situation, air pollution levels in different cities may fluctuate.
The Los Angeles County Health Department previously issued a smoke advisory stating that wildfire smoke, a mixture of small particles, gases, and water vapor, can cause eye irritation, runny nose, itchy throat, headaches, and respiratory diseases such as bronchitis. Children, the elderly, individuals with respiratory conditions, heart disease, and compromised immune systems are at higher risk and may experience difficulties breathing, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, and/or chest pain.
Muntu Davis, a health officer, medical doctor, and Master of Public Health, mentioned that predicting how far wildfire smoke and ash will spread and how strong winds will affect air quality is currently challenging. He emphasized that smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those in good health, underscoring the importance of understanding local air quality, making plans, and taking measures to protect oneself and family members’ health.
The county health department recommends that individuals in areas with visible smoke or a smoke smell, or where air quality is poor, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and limit physical exertion like exercise, whether indoors or outdoors. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with conditions sensitive to air quality, such as heart disease, asthma, and other chronic respiratory illnesses, should stay indoors as much as possible. People should stay indoors even if they don’t see smoke, ash, or detect a smoke smell. If symptoms worsen, immediate medical advice should be sought.
In areas with visible smoke, ash, or haze, indoor exercise or intense activities may be conducted provided indoor air conditioning doesn’t draw in outside air, with doors and windows closed to maintain indoor air cleanliness. If there is no air conditioning, following outdoor exercise guidelines for air pollution zones is recommended.
Irina Dralyuk, a pediatric pulmonologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, urged parents with children having a history of lung disease to be cautious. If a child struggles with persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, immediate medical attention is advised.
Mayor of Diamond Bar, Dr. Deng Jiayou, an internist specializing in family medicine, has been monitoring the wildfire situation closely. He advised residents in air pollution areas to wear N95 masks when outdoors, keep doors and windows tightly closed at home, use air conditioning or air purifiers to filter the air, and prevent contaminated air from entering indoors. When driving, turn on the air conditioning and close the air intake. If the area where you live may face power outages, consider planning to move to a further city, staying with family, friends, or in a hotel for a few days to avoid respiratory system diseases induced by indoor and outdoor air quality issues.