Thick smoke from wildfires around Los Angeles has turned the air dangerous to breathe, prompting serious health concerns. Officials issued air quality alerts as smoke blanketed the city, causing schools to close and forcing residents indoors.
“This air is not breathable,” said Dulce Perez, a restaurant worker in Pasadena, where eye-watering haze lingered. Scientists warned that the wildfire smoke poses a severe health risk, especially for children, the older people, and those with preexisting conditions.
Toxic Smoke Linked to Increased Health Risks
Wildfire smoke is more hazardous than typical air pollution. It contains noxious gases and fine particulate matter, often from burned plastics, metals, and other artificial materials. Dr. Afif El-Hasan of the American Lung Association explained that these particles penetrate deeply into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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“If you’re struggling to breathe, it puts extra strain on the heart,” said El-Hasan. Studies link wildfire smoke to higher rates of cardiac arrests and weakened immunity.
Air Quality Far Exceeds Safety Guidelines
In parts of Los Angeles, fine particulate matter reached alarming levels earlier this week, ranging from 40 to 100 micrograms per cubic meter. This is well above the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum of 5.
“These levels imply a 5-15% increase in daily mortality,” said Carlos Gould, an environmental health scientist at the University of California San Diego. Although air quality slightly improved on Friday, dangerous particulates remained at four times the WHO guidelines.
Immediate and Long-Term Health Impacts
The fires, which have scorched over 34,000 acres since Tuesday, continue to release harmful byproducts into the air. Experts are particularly concerned about vulnerable populations, such as the people experiencing homelessness. “They have no safe indoor space and suffer the most from poor air quality,” said Sunny Lee from CORE, which has been distributing N95 masks to at-risk groups.
Justin Gillenwater, burn director at Los Angeles General Medical Center, warned of long-term impacts on respiratory health. “This smoke exposure will affect people for years, especially those with allergies or chronic conditions,” he said.
Precautions to Protect Health
Residents have scrambled to minimize exposure. Many purchased air purifiers, though stores report they are sold out. Others taped windows to keep out smoke. Los Angeles officials advised staying indoors where air quality was visibly poor.
Health experts stress vigilance as the fires rage on. They warn that even after the flames subside, the smoke’s effects on public health will linger, creating challenges for years to come.
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