Air Quality Alert #4

Los Angeles County Public Health Department
313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806 * Los Angeles, CA 90012 * (213)
240-8144 * media@ph.lacounty.gov

For Immediate Release:
October 15, 2008
Air Quality Alert #4:

Air quality is unhealthy in Central Los Angeles County, the San Fernando
Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, the South Bay-Long
Beach area, and the Santa Monica-Malibu area.

LOS ANGELES - Due to the fires, air quality is adversely affected in
several parts of Los Angeles County. According to the South Coast Air
Quality Management District (AQMD), the following areas are directly
affected: Central Los Angeles County extending to West Hollywood,
Alhambra, Commerce, and Windsor Hills; the San Fernando Valley; the
Santa Clarita Valley; the San Gabriel Mountains; the northern coastal
area which includes Malibu to Santa Monica along the coast, extending
inland to Beverly Hills and the West Hollywood area; and the southern
coastal area, from South Bay-Long Beach, extending to the 110, 91 and
605 freeways. These areas may expand as the fires continue.

"In all areas of visible smoke or where there is an odor of smoke, all
individuals are urged to be cautious and to avoid unnecessary outdoor
activities. We are also advising schools that are in session in
smoke-impacted areas to suspend outside physical activities in these
areas, including physical education and after-school sports, until
conditions improve," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of
Public Health and County Health Officer.

Non-school related sports organizations, such as Little Leagues, for
children and adults are advised to cancel outdoor practices in areas
where there is visible smoke, soot, or ash, or where there is an odor of
smoke. This also applies to other recreational outdoor activity, such as
hikes or picnics, in these areas. Sensitive individuals, such as those
with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory disease, 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 odor of smoke.

"It is difficult to tell where ash or soot from a wildfire will go, or
how winds will affect the level of dust particles in the air, so we ask
all individuals to be aware of their immediate environment and how it
might affect their health," said Dr. Fielding.

People can participate in indoor sports or other strenuous activity in
areas with visible smoke, soot, or ash, provided the indoor location has
air conditioning that does not draw air from the
outside and it has closed windows and doors to protect the cleanliness
of indoor air. If not, it is recommended that all individuals follow
these guidelines as if they were outside.

-MORE-

The following recommendations will help you protect yourself and your
family from harmful effects of bad air quality:
* If you see or smell smoke, or see a lot of particles and ash in
the air, avoid unnecessary outdoor activity to limit your exposure to
harmful air. This is especially important for those with heart or lung
disease (including asthma), the elderly and children.
* If outdoor air is bad, try to keep indoor air as clean as
possible by keeping windows and doors closed. Air conditioners that
re-circulate air within the home can help filter out harmful particles.
Avoid using air conditioning units that only draw in air from the
outside or that do not have a re-circulating option. Residents should
check the filters on their air conditioners and replace them regularly.
Indoor air filtration devices with HEPA filters can further reduce the
level of particles that circulate indoors.
* If it is too hot during the day to keep the doors or windows
closed and you do not have an air conditioning unit that re-circulates
indoor air, consider going to an air conditioned public place, such as a
library or shopping center, to stay cool and to protect yourself from
harmful air.
* Also, do not use fireplaces (either wood burning or gas),
candles, and vacuums. Use damp cloths to clean dusty indoor surfaces. Do
not smoke.
* If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be
related to smoke exposure, including severe coughing, shortness of
breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain,
palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your
doctor immediately or go to an urgent care center.

When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can
build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them. Wearing a
mask may prevent exposures to large particles. However, most masks do
not prevent exposure to fine particles and toxic gases, which may be
more dangerous to your health.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving
the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County.
Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services,
Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and
community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000
employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more
about Public Health and the work we do, please visit
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

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