Tips to Reduce Smoke and Ash Inhalation

For those living in areas affected by wildfire smoke, please take steps to protect your health, including staying indoors and reducing outdoor activity if necessary to avoid the inhalation of smoke and ash.

Air quality across the Southland has been impacted by these raging wildfires. Torrance Memorial pulmonologist Dr. Jamie Kagihara offers some guidance to help you take the proper precautions.

"Wildfires in LA County, pose several threats to air quality when compared to a simple brush fire or a house fire," says Dr. Kagihara. "In-home appliances can emit carbon monoxide gas and incomplete combustion or burning of trees and shrubs can lead to expulsion of black carbon."

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles which are respiratory irritants, and when inhaled deeply, can affect the lungs and the heart. Exposure to high concentrations of fine particles can cause persistent cough, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Smoke from wildfires can also cause eye irritation, reduced lung function, and bronchitis. Breathing smoke can also make asthma symptoms worse. People with underlying lung or heart problems should limit their exposure by staying indoors.

High-risk populations include those with underlying cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, children under the age of 18, the elderly, and pregnant individuals.

What To Do:

• Stay indoors and limit physical exertion
• Use an air purifier, preferably one with a HEPA filter.
• If you have central air conditioning, set it to recirculate air and/or close the external air intakes.
• Gaps around door and window frames can be taped using duct tape.
• If you must be outside, consider use of an N-95 or similar mask which can filter particulates.
• Ensure that you have access to an adequate supply of your medications.
• Seek medical attention if you develop chest tightness or difficulty breathing.
• Be prepared to relocate to a less impacted area if evacuation is ordered or if you are unable to achieve a tolerable indoor environment.
• Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution. Smoking cigarettes, using gas, propane and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, spraying aerosol products, frying or broiling meat, burning candles and incense, and vacuuming can all increase particle levels in a home and should be avoided when wildfire smoke is present.

The California Department of Public Health says avoid getting ash into the air as much as possible. Avoiding sweeping it up dry, use water and wet cloth or a mop to clean items and surfaces. Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions that will put ash into the air.

Shop vacuums and other common vacuum cleaners do not filter out small particles. They blow such particles out the exhaust into the air where they can be inhaled. The use of shop vacuums and other non-HEPA filter vacuums is not recommended. HEPA filter vacuums could be used, if available.

You should also monitor children and young adults. Do not allow children to play with ash or be in an area where ash-covered materials are being disturbed. Wash ash off toys before children play with them.

Clean ash off pets.

Monitor children and young adults as they may be more susceptible to the health and emotional effects of fire recovery.

Prepare emergency supplies. Make sure you have an emergency kit, complete with medications, copies of prescriptions and medical supplies.

For more tips and resources, check your local air quality index at EPA AirNow and stay informed by following local emergency updates.