Los Angeles County residents are under a smoke advisory as the Hughes Wildfire continues to impact air quality. According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the advisory is in place through Thursday, 10:00 p.m. Areas including the San Gabriel Mountains, the I-5 Corridor near Castaic Lake, Santa Clarita, and regions close to the fire, are expected to be most affected by the smoke.
Health officials warn that wildfire smoke, a potent mix of particles, gases, and water vapor, poses significant health risks. Burning eyes, runny nose, headache, and more severe illnesses like bronchitis are on the list of possible effects. Especially vulnerable to this unhealthy air, children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with respiratory or heart conditions or weakened immune systems, may be more severely impacted. "Predicting where ash or soot from a fire will travel, or how winds will impact air quality, is difficult, so it's important for everyone to stay aware of the air quality in your area, make plans, and take action to protect your health and your family's health," said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Health Officer for Los Angeles County.
The L.A. County Department of Public Health is advising against outdoor activity, recommending instead that all individuals in affected areas - particularly those at higher risk - stay indoors and limit physical exertion. "Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy. However, people at higher risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems," Davis explained, as stated by the County of Los Angeles. Schools and recreational programs are also encouraged to heed the California Department of Education’s and the California Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines regarding outdoor activities in smoke-impacted areas.
For those needing to venture outside, wearing an N95 or P100 mask is highly recommended in places with heavy smoke or ash. Indoor air can be kept clean by closing windows and doors, using air conditioners that recirculate air and don't draw in outside air, and frequent replacement of air filters marked "MERV13" or higher. "We are also advising schools and recreational programs that are in session in smoke-impacted to review and follow the California Department of Education’s Memo: Get Smart about Wildfire Smoke - Clear Guidelines for Schools and Wildfire Smoke or the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Guidance for Schools During Wildfire Smoke Events, based on the air quality level in their area," added Dr. Davis, the County of Los Angeles noted.
In terms of pet safety, owners are advised to limit their pets' outdoor exposure, particularly at night, and to watch for signs of respiratory distress. Useful sources for real-time air quality updates include the South Coast AQMD Mobile App and their official website. If you're concerned about symptoms related to smoke exposure like severe coughing or difficulty breathing, it's advised to contact a health care provider or, in the event of life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
