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Public health officials and South Coast AQMD urge masks, staying inside as smoke persists
Summary
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the South Coast Air Quality Management District urged residents to reduce smoke exposure, recommended N95 respirators for sensitive groups, and provided mental-health and helpline resources.
Dr. Muntu Davis of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and South Coast Air Quality Management District representatives urged residents to take precautions against smoke and toxic debris as recovery begins.
"When dealing with wildfire smoke, I mean, really, it's a question about risk and how to reduce your risk," Dr. Muntu Davis said, describing guidance the department has issued to reduce health impacts.
Officials recommended that residents, and especially people with underlying health conditions, children, pregnant women and older adults, limit time outdoors, wear well-fitting N95 masks when necessary, and keep windows and doors closed. Dr. Davis advised those with central air systems to use recirculate settings and warned against window air conditioners that draw in outdoor air.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District said residents should check Air Quality Index readings, smell for smoke and look for ash as immediate indicators of poor air quality. "So South Coast AQMD recommends that all residents, currently in the LA Metro Area look at 3 things when evaluating their air quality," a South Coast AQMD representative said.
Officials also pointed people in need of immediate mental-health support to available services: "If they really are feeling, you know, that that's too much, it's a lot, they need some immediate help, they can text 741741 and text the letters LA to that. That connects to our department of mental health and service providers that can provide some immediate assistance," Dr. Davis said.
Why it matters: Health officers said smoke adds to already poor air quality in Los Angeles and can disproportionately affect those with respiratory or cardiac conditions. The agencies urged using high-efficiency HVAC filters or portable air purifiers and avoiding indoor pollution from cooking or candles while smoke is present.
Ending: Agencies pointed residents to detailed wildfire-preparation and cleanup guidance at South Coast AQMD’s website and to county public-health resources for further medical and mental-health assistance.
