Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Southern California is facing one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in its history. The Kenneth Fire, which started in the San Fernando Valley, quickly spread into Ventura County, while the Eaton Fire near Pasadena and the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades have added to the chaos. Together, these wildfires have covered about 45 square miles, destroyed over 10,000 structures, and displaced 180,000 residents under evacuation orders. These fires have destroyed homes, businesses, schools, and landmarks.
Because of these fires, whole neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Malibu have been burned down! The air is filled with smoke and ash, forcing schools to close and disrupting the lives of residents. If you live near these fires, hopefully you are aware of the steps you need to take to stay safe. For those who do not live nearby, you may still need to pay attention to the air quality over the next few weeks! Here is a guide.
Wildfires and Air Quality
Wildfires don’t just damage land and property. They have a big impact on air quality, both locally and across great distances. Smoke from wildfires has tiny particles, gases, and toxic substances in it that can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, carried by wind patterns.
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)
Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI). This provides a simple way to measure pollution levels and potential health risks. The AQI uses a scale from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating worse air quality:
- 0–50 (Green): Good
- 51–100 (Yellow): Moderate
- 101–150 (Orange): Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- 151–200 (Red): Unhealthy for everyone
- 201–300 (Purple): Very unhealthy
- 301+ (Maroon): Hazardous
The AQI focuses on five main pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Wildfire smoke mostly increases particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious health risks as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
Air Quality Impacts Across the Country
Even if you are miles away from a wildfire, you may still feel its effects. As smoke travels, it creates haze and degrades air quality in downwind regions. For example, smoke from California's wildfires can affect neighboring states and sometimes reach as far as the East Coast, depending on weather conditions. You may remember in 2023, wildfires in Canada spread smoke across a huge swath of the eastern United States. Government officials had to issue warnings in New York, North Carolina, and Ohio because of the dangers the wildfire smoke posed.
Tips to Stay Safe
So what are the best ways to protect yourself during poor air quality events? Having a checklist and knowing what steps to take is important, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions. Here is a simple list to follow:
- Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities and keep windows and doors closed.
- Monitor Air Quality: Use apps or websites to track the AQI in your area. Adjust your plans based on current air quality levels.
- Use Air Purifiers: Run air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor particulate matter.
- Create a Clean Air Room: Dedicate one room in your home as a "clean air" space with minimal outside exposure.
- Wear Masks When Needed: If you must go outside, use N95 or KN95 masks to filter out fine particles. Cloth masks are not effective against smoke.
- Adjust HVAC Settings: Use air conditioning systems that recirculate indoor air rather than drawing in air from outside.
- Avoid Indoor Pollution: Refrain from activities like burning candles or using gas stoves, which can worsen indoor air quality.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps keep your airways moist and reduces irritation from smoke exposure.
- Consult a Doctor if Necessary: If you have pre-existing respiratory conditions or experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly.
Support and Resources
If you are interested in helping those affected, there is a site set up for contributions.
Donations
The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge. You can donate here. Your donation to the CFF Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund directly supports victims of wildfires and disasters throughout California.
For a full list of free and discounted resources, check out the article linked here.
While we can’t control the winds that carry smoke across the country, we can take steps to safeguard our health. Monitoring air quality, making adjustments to our daily routines, and using tools like air purifiers can make a significant difference in reducing exposure to harmful pollutants. Stay informed, stay safe, and take steps to protect your well-being during wildfire seasons!
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