With the return of strong Santa Ana winds, Los Angeles County faces a rapid shift in air quality. While smoke may dissipate, toxic ash from recent wildfires is expected to be carried downwind, posing health risks to residents. Experts advise on protective measures and recommend avoiding outdoor activities during windy conditions.
With the return of strong Santa Ana winds in Los Angeles County , air quality is expected to shift rapidly, particularly for communities situated downwind of the recent wildfires. While clear skies and seemingly good air quality may be observed, officials caution that the situation remains precarious. Air Quality Advisor Kati Chachere explains that the wind will displace the stagnant, smoky, smoggy air mass currently affecting the region.
However, this will be replaced by wind-blown dust and ash originating from the burn zones.Forecasters predict that the Santa Ana winds, while clearing smoke, will carry toxic ash to areas south and west of the fire perimeters. Although ash can travel hundreds of miles, the most significant impact will be felt by cities closest to and downwind of the burn zones. For the Eaton Fire, this includes communities such as La Canada, La Crescenta, Glendale, and other parts of the San Fernando Valley. The National Weather Service indicates that a considerable amount of ash from the Palisades fire will be carried out to sea, although nearby coastal communities may experience some impact.Neighborhoods near the Kenneth and Hurst fires may also face ash accumulation. Chachere emphasizes the importance of protective measures, recommending masks and eye protection, as the particulate matter can be abrasive enough to cause eye damage. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) includes N95 masks, glasses, and goggles for individuals working outdoors. If possible, Elsayegh suggests utilizing air purifiers with a MERV 13 rating to filter the air indoors. It's crucial to remember that wildfire ash is not merely dust; it contains toxic particles from burned vegetation, building materials, and chemicals. Monitoring the air quality index in your area can provide some indication of the presence of dangerous microscopic aerosols. However, Pulmonologist Dr. Ashraf Elsayegh with Providence Saint John's Health Center cautions that this may not be sufficient. Wildfire ash often falls outside the detection range of most air quality sensors, so visible ash warrants immediate precautionary measures.Breathing in wildfire ash can lead to both immediate and long-term health consequences for vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions. However, even healthy individuals are at risk. Elsayegh highlights the potential for bronchitis, pneumonia, lung infections, and even lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. He emphasizes that this type of ash can persist in our local region for up to two years. His advice is to avoid all outdoor activities during windy conditions, especially in areas near burn scars. This includes many popular hiking trails located close to these areas, such as those in the Palisades, Topanga, Mandeville, and Eaton Canyon.
WILDFIRE ASH SANTA ANA WINDS AIR QUALITY HEALTH WARNINGS LOS ANGELES COUNTY PROTECTIVE MEASURES
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