LOS ANGELES — Due to alarmingly high levels of air pollution in the Los Angeles region, Dana Benton finds herself sleeping with a mask on despite the use of an air purifier.
“I noticed my car was completely covered in ash, and it’s terrible to think that we might be breathing that in,” the Chinatown resident expressed through her N95 mask outside a Sprouts grocery store in the Mid-City area, which isn’t her usual neighborhood. Like numerous others, she has sought refuge from the smoke and is currently staying with her parents along with her cat.
Benton described the situation as more than just the smell of burning wood from a campfire. The 30-year-old is worried about harmful substances such as plastics, asbestos, and other toxins released as wildfires rage through various neighborhoods in Los Angeles. She has experienced burning eyes and throat discomfort, despite keeping her windows shut, running her air filter on high, and mostly remaining indoors.
“All those microparticles are entering our lungs,” she said, emphasizing her concern about the long-term health effects on everyone.
Her concerns are valid. Fine particulate matter represents a significant health threat, being associated with chronic and life-threatening health issues, as stated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In Southern California, residents are taking preventive measures as the air quality index, which incorporates fine particles, has soared to dangerous levels in areas such as Pasadena.
Home supply stores in Central Los Angeles report that their air purifiers are sold out.
Dr. Puneet Gupta, the assistant medical director for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, mentioned that emergency rooms are witnessing an influx of patients who are arriving by ambulance, driving themselves, or being brought in by family members due to respiratory issues.
The situation is fluid, with winds shifting frequently. Gupta emphasized the necessity of taking precautions, including wearing masks and staying indoors, even after the fires are extinguished, since poor air quality can persist for an extended period.
Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, forecasted dry winds ranging from 50 to 65 mph throughout next week, particularly in mountainous and foothill regions, indicating another significant fire risk period from Monday night through Wednesday night.
“The threat from the Palisades Fire and the Hurst Fire remains considerable due to these strong winds,” Kittell remarked.
Dr. Nader Kamangar, a pulmonary critical care specialist at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, noted that there hasn’t been a surge in emergency room visits or hospitalizations linked to the smoke at this moment, but he anticipates this may change soon.
He pointed out that small particles are especially concerning, as they can carry toxic components deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially leading to heart and lung complications. The burning of homes and vehicles containing hazardous materials only heightens the risk. He advises wearing N-95 masks outdoors and encourages individuals with asthma or other respiratory issues to always keep their inhalers on hand.
“We’re ready for the worst, but we hope for the best,” Kamangar stated, stressing that those with existing lung diseases, children, and the elderly are the most at risk.
As Celia Fagel walked her dog, Lou, in their central Los Angeles neighborhood, she noticed ash falling from the orange sky. Wearing a black face mask, she made efforts to protect herself.
“It’s smarter to be cautious,” the 34-year-old said on Thursday morning.
She expressed concerns for Lou, who is unaware of the hazardous conditions and cannot wear a mask.
Guillermina Gonzalez, 61, donned two masks while walking her dog and is urging her family members to stay indoors.
“This situation is truly alarming… incredibly perilous,” she remarked in Spanish.
Gonzalez expressed her heartbreak over the extensive destruction and the loss of homes, saying, “Many people will require our assistance.” Struggling to hold back tears, she encouraged everyone to lend a helping hand, reminding others of our shared humanity.
