air quality

Department of Public Health
Sarah Kissell
(213) 989-7183

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For Immediate Release:
November 17, 2008

AIR QUALITY ALERT #3:

Air quality is unhealthy for all individuals in all areas of visible
smoke

LOS ANGELES – Due to the fires, air quality may be adversely affected in
several parts of Southern California. The Los Angeles County Department
of Public Health recommends that all individuals take precautions when
outdoors in areas where there may be visible smoke, soot, or ash, or an
odor of smoke. This is particularly important for those with sensitive
conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory disease.

"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. Individuals 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
everyone to be aware of their immediate environment and how it might
affect their health," said Dr. Fielding.

Individuals with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory disease
should monitor their conditions and be vigilant about taking their
medications as prescribed by their doctors. Those with asthma and
related conditions should keep their "as needed" medications with them
at all times.

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.
● 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.

The following is recommended for pets• Avoid leaving your pets outdoors, particularly at night. Pets should
be brought into an indoor location, such as an enclosed garage or a
house.
• If dogs or cats appear to be in respiratory distress, they should be
taken to an animal hospital immediately. Symptoms of respiratory
distress for dogs include panting and/or an inability to catch their
breath. Symptoms for cats are less noticeable, but may include panting
and/or an inability to catch their breath.

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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