LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Air quality in the Los Angeles area remained “unhealthy” as a result of the multiple wildfires ravaging the region, prompting the South Coast Air Quality Management District to extend a smoke advisory through at least 5 p.m. Friday.
The smoke was expected to most heavily affect northwest coastal L.A. County, and in areas nearest the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst wildfires, the agency reported.
Smoke impacts will depend on fire activity, containment efforts and the weather, according to the AQMD.
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of small particles, gases and water vapor – – with the small particles being the primary health concern, the AQMD reported. Those particles can cause burning eyes, a runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches and/or illnesses such as bronchitis
The agency noted that people at higher risk — including children, the elderly, those with respiratory or heart conditions and people with compromised immune systems — may experience more severe effects, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, fatigue and/or chest pain.
“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,” Dr. Muntu Davis, L.A. County’s health officer, said in a statement. “Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy.”
The health department urged people in areas where there is visible smoke or the smell of smoke or unhealthy air quality to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and limit physical exertion.
“Children, older adults and people who are pregnant or have other air quality sensitive conditions, such as heart disease, asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases, should follow these recommendations and stay indoors as much as possible even in areas where smoke, soot or ash cannot be seen or there is no smell of smoke,” according to the agency. “If your condition worsens, contact your health care provider immediately for medical advice.”
Pets can also be affected, the agency reported.
For real-time and forecasted air quality information, the AQMD Mobile App can be downloaded at aqmd.gov/mobileapp; information is also available at aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/air-quality-forecasts.
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