How to protect your health from smoke as wildfires rage in Southern California
Four wildfires are raging across Southern California creating plumes of thick and dangerous smoke.
The smoke has caused hazardous air conditions in the Los Angeles area as of Jan. 8, according to AirNow, which monitors air data across the country.
People impacted by the flames can take measures to protect their health.
The burning fires include three that started Jan. 7 and another that ignited Jan. 8, Cal Fire reports. The causes of these fires are still under investigation.
The Palisades Fire is the largest blaze as it’s burned nearly 12,000 acres as of 11:45 a.m. Jan. 8 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, northwest of Santa Monica, according to Cal Fire.
Another fire called the Eaton Fire has burned 10,600 acres near Altadena and Pasadena, Cal Fire said as of 10:55 a.m.. Northwest of that, the Hurst Fire has incinerated more than 500 acres of land near Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley.
These fires have prompted evacuations for tens of thousands of people, burned 1,000 structures and killed two, CBS News reported Jan. 8.
How to protect your health from smoke
There are ways people can protect themselves from smoke as short-term exposure (over a few days) can cause health problems in the lungs and heart, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
When wildfires burn, toxic air pollutants are released, in addition to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, the World Health Organization reported.
These pollutants can impact people and cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, reduced lung function, and an increased risk of asthma and aggravation, the EPA said.
More serious health effects include heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
Experts said people can help protect themselves by doing these things:
- Check the Air Quality Index. The index is divided into six sections that range from good to hazardous.
- Stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.
- An N95 mask can be worn. A cloth mask will not protect against from smoke.
- A “clean air room” can be created to reduce smoke exposure while inside by using a portable air cleaner or a “DIY air cleaner” made with a box fan and a filter.
- Run an HVAC system if you have a central air system.
- Avoid creating more pollution in your home by cooking, sweeping, vacuuming, using gas, propane or a wood-burning stove.
This story was originally published January 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM with the headline "How to protect your health from smoke as wildfires rage in Southern California."
