Los Angeles continues to remain under an Air Quality Alert, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), amid dust and ash from the recent wildfires.
Why It Matters
The current Air Quality Alert comes amid the ongoing environmental challenges posed by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. According to the NWS, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has since reported elevated pollution levels that can deeply affect public health, particularly among sensitive groups such as those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, children, and older adults.
The health risks associated with this type of particle pollution are severe. According to the NWS, exposure can lead to asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and even cardiovascular complications. Cleaning up ash can also pose risks, requiring special precautions to minimize exposure to hazardous particles.
What to Know
The air quality alert, issued for the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley, warns that the air quality impacts could persist until this evening.
This warning comes as the region experiences high-pressure weather patterns, resulting in stagnant air conditions and an increased risk of respiratory issues for vulnerable populations. With no significant precipitation in the immediate forecast, conditions are expected to remain dry, further exacerbating air quality challenges.
The Air Quality Alert encompasses large swathes of Los Angeles County, including urban centers such as Downtown Los Angeles, Burbank, and Pasadena. Residents in areas southwest of recently burned zones face the highest risk of ash contamination. The NWS has advised residents to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers where possible.
Why Is the Air Quality Bad In Los Angeles?
The hazardous air quality in Los Angeles is largely a result of smoke from the Pacific Palisades fire, intensified by strong Santa Ana winds. The winds, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph, have carried fine particulate matter and other pollutants across wide areas.
The region has also been impacted by Red Flag Warnings, signaling heightened wildfire risk due to dry vegetation and gusty Santa Ana winds. These conditions further complicate air quality recovery efforts, with emissions and wind patterns contributing to pollution variability across the region.
Why Is Poor Air Quality Bad For Your Health?
Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Short-term exposure can cause irritation, breathing difficulties and exacerbation of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure is linked to severe conditions like heart disease and reduced lung function, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions.
How to Stay Safe Amid Hazardous Air Pollution
The fires have destroyed over 12,000 structures in the past week, according to California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
While air quality in the region has improved slightly with diminishing winds and increased fire containment, forecasters warn that more strong winds are expected in the coming days, heightening the risk of additional fires and more toxic smoke.
Officials are urging residents, particularly those with underlying health conditions, to take precautions. People are advised to stay indoors, limit physical activity and wear properly fitted respirator masks when venturing outside.
What People Are Saying
Rory Hadden, a fire science professor at the U.K.'s University of Edinburgh, previously told Newsweek: "All smoke is bad. Any time you see smoke from a fire, that pretty much always means it's got some very nasty stuff in it."
Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County's health officer, said in a statement Saturday: "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. Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy."
What's Next
While the Air Quality Alert is set to expire by 7 PM tonight, forecasters caution that similar conditions may persist if wildfires continue to burn in the region. The South Coast AQMD has advised residents to stay updated through resources like the AQMD mobile app and to consult public health guidelines for safe ash cleanup.
Meanwhile, tackling California's wildfires continues as four fires are currently active as of Wednesday, according to California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
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