How to Protect Yourself from California Wildfire Smoke

Fast-growing wildfires throughout Los Angeles started on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and soon sent tens of thousands of residents scrambling for safety from the encroaching flames and plumes of smoke. 

As the fires remain out of control, the resulting smoke poses a significant health risk to people in surrounding areas. 

An air monitor in downtown Los Angeles recorded its highest hourly level of fine particulate pollution at 483.7 micrograms per cubic meter, the LA Times reports. The federal limit for daily average concentrations is 35.

The World Health Organization says air pollution-related health issues contribute to millions of deaths a year. In 2019, roughly 4.2 million deaths were associated with fine particulate matter (PM). The nearly microscopic toxic particles — generally made up of nitrates, sulfates, ammonia, sodium chloride, mineral dust and black carbon — can get into your lungs and bloodstream, wreaking havoc on the body and lowering your immune response, making you more susceptible to other health issues.

Here’s how to protect yourself from the dangerous air quality.

Check your air filters

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says filters should be checked daily during a wildfire as the smoke can quickly clog the filter with particulate matter. When the filter is dark brown or grey or smells like smoke, it is time to change it for a new filter.

Wear protective masks

Dr. Suzanne Paulson, professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences and director of the Center for Clean Air at UCLA, previously spoke to PEOPLE about wildfire safety and advised people to stay indoors when smoke levels are high. If that’s not an option, she recommends using a protective device — beyond just a thin mouth covering.

“Most of the things people wear are a waste,” she said. “A bandana does nothing, and a surgical mask does nothing.”

Instead, Paulson and most health officials recommend N95 respirators, which are available at hardware stores for around $10. N95 masks protect from smoke and ash.

“If they fit tightly around the face so the air goes through them and not around them, they are quite useful at reducing exposure,” she said. “They’re not a great inconvenience, and people should absolutely be wearing them if the air quality is bad and they’re outside and moving around.”

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Avoid adding to indoor air pollution

The CDC recommends people keep their windows shut and avoid the following while at home, which can increase air pollution indoors: burning candles or using gas, propane, woodburning stoves, fireplaces, or aerosol sprays; frying or broiling meat; smoking tobacco products; or vacuuming.

Utilizing portable air cleaners or purifiers in the house can also be beneficial.

Protect yourself from ash

Wildfires leave behind a lot of ash that can irritate the eyes and skin. The CDC urges those in surrounding areas to protect themselves by wearing gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and shoes and socks to protect the skin and goggles to protect the eyes.

Additionally, residents should wash off any ash that they may come in contact with as soon as possible.