Two days of raging wildfires in California have sent massive plumes of smoke over Los Angeles County, prompting widespread air quality alerts and school closures. The hazardous smoke, driven by powerful winds, has led to unhealthy air conditions across the region, with the Eaton fire being particularly impactful.
Wildfire smoke engulfed large parts of Los Angeles County on January 8, 2025, leading to school closures and widespread air quality alerts. Two days of fierce blazes had consumed over 25,000 acres, generating massive plumes of smoke and soot. Powerful winds carried the dark clouds of unhealthy pollution as far south as San Pedro, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The Eaton fire, which devastated much of Altadena, resulted in particularly severe air quality, blanketing downtown Los Angeles and Boyle Heights in hazardous haze. An air monitor in Chinatown recorded the highest hourly level of fine particulate pollution in the region at 483.7 micrograms per cubic meter on January 8th, far exceeding the federal daily average limit of 35. Inhaling fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing heart attacks and strokes. Scott Epstein, air quality assessment manager for the South Coast air district, emphasized the health risks, stating that children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable. Smoke can impact everyone, but these sensitive groups are disproportionately affected
Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Health Los Angeles
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