California Wildfire season is increasingly common and challenging for residents of California.
While the immediate dangers of wildfires are well known, the effects of wildfire smoke on air quality and health are sometimes underestimated. Understanding the detrimental effects of smoke exposure can be instrumental in protecting yourself and your loved ones from associated health issues during periods of severe air pollution. Here are some practical steps to protect your health during wildfire season.
Understand the Risks of Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from wildfires contains particles and gases that can affect the lungs and cause health concerns. Some individuals are more sensitive to air pollution such as those with respiratory conditions, pregnant women, children, and the elderly. However, even those considered relatively healthy can be affected by wildfire smoke. It is important to understand air quality levels by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) to determine when to limit outdoor activity and take other actions to minimize the dangers of wildfire smoke. AQI measures the levels of particles in the air to determine where it falls within the range. AQI goes from 0 to 500, with levels below 100 indicating healthy air quality, and levels above 300 categorized as hazardous.
Learn more about AQI at AirNow.gov.
When air quality is poor, limiting exposure to smoke can greatly reduce the negative health effects.
- Stay indoors and try to improve ventilation and air quality within the home.
- Keep doors and windows shut and try to cover gaps under doorways or other openings to keep the smoke from entering the house.
- Consider using air purifiers to remove particles from the air.
- If possible, designate a room with minimal outdoor air entryways as your ‘Clean Air Room.’
- If you must go outside, wear high quality masks such as N95 masks as they are effective at filtering out fine particles.
- Be aware of the symptoms of smoke exposure and seek medical attention if they persist.
It is vital, especially during a wildfire, to learn and act on any symptoms that may be a result of air pollution. This includes difficulty breathing, severe coughing, or chest pain.
Vulnerable members of the community should pay more attention to new or worsened symptoms, as poor air quality resulting from wildfire smoke can aggravate pre-existing conditions and should be monitored carefully.
California wildfires have a profound impact, leaving families to rebuild their lives while coping with the health risks of smoke exposure.
The wildfire litigation attorneys at CaseyGerry have seen firsthand the devastating effects of wildfires on our clients and understand how harmful smoke can be to health.
If you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, including the Eaton Fire or Pacific Palisades Fire, contact us at (866) 642-1448 to explore your legal options.
For more resources, please visit https://californiafirelegalhelp.com.