DIAMOND BAR (CNS) – A windblown dust and ash advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District due to forecasted winds over the Palisades and Hughes burn areas is in effect Thursday.
The advisory will be in effect Thursday at noon, as the National Weather Service issued wind advisories covering the Palisades and Hughes burn areas.
Winds may also spread ash from the Eaton, Hurst and Kenneth fire zones, potentially impacting areas south and west of these sites, according to the SCAQMD.
While ash particles are often visible, they may be too large to be detected by air quality instruments and will not directly influence Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, the agency said. However, exposure to airborne ash — especially from burned structures — may increase the risk of toxic air contamination, officials warned.
The SCAQMD advises people in areas impacted by windblown dust or ash to:
— limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter;
— avoid vigorous physical activity;
— run air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air;
— help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads;
— always wear proper personal protective equipment — long sleeve shirts, pants, gloves and safety glasses when working around ash. A well- fitting respirator such as an N-95 may provide some protection. If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible; and
— do not use leaf blowers or take other actions such as dry sweeping that will put ash into the air.
To clean up ash, use vacuums equipped with high efficiency particulate air filters.
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