BREATHE LA Public Health Tips for the Days Following the Wildfires

ADVISORY

September 3, 2009
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Edward Headington
818.720.7181 or Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

Particulates from the largest wildfire in Southern California history is likened to secondhand smoke exposure

Los Angeles, CA. The wildfire northeast of Los Angeles has scorched over 226 square miles and is reportedly to be 38% contained. Although this is welcome news, there is still a substantial amount of ash and debris lingering throughout the Los Angeles County region. High concentrations of particulates, such as ash and debris, can be found in the immediate vicinity of burns, and they diminish relatively rapidly as the distance from a burn-site increased. Lingering wildfire smoke also contains small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals similar to those found in cigarette smoke. Like secondhand smoke, exposure to wildfire smoke can be harmful even days after the fires have been extinguished. Particles from wildfires are respiratory irritants, and exposures to high concentrations of particulate matter can cause persistent cough, phlegm, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

The effects of smoke range from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious disorders, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma, and premature death. Health risks are most acute to sensitive populations, including those with asthma, children, elderly, and those with COPD or other lung diseases. Particles can also affect healthy people, causing respiratory symptoms, transient reductions in lung function, and pulmonary inflammation.

To lesson the risk of health problems, the following is recommended:

1. Do not allow children to play in the ash or with unwashed toys
2. Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid skin contact
3. Avoid disseminating ash into the air; do not use non-HEPA filter vacuums
4. Using a small amount of water during clean up will help to limit the redistribution of ash and dust into the air
5. If you get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible
6. Rinse homegrown fruit or vegetables thoroughly before eating them
7. Clean ash off house pets
8. Wear well-fitting dust masks; those rated N-95 or P-100 provide better protection than simple dust or surgical masks (persons with heart or lung disease should consult a physician before using a mask).

Cleaning up after the fires is an important step in the recovery process, but must be done carefully to avoid creating further impacts on public health and pollution. Symptoms can occur as late as 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Experts recommend modifying lifestyle habits for up to seven days after the fires have ended. For more information contact your local fire department by calling 411. Information about air quality is available at: 1-800-288-7664. For emergencies, dial 911.

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BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) is a non-profit, public benefit organization that promotes clean air and healthy lungs through research, education and technology. It has been “Protecting the ‘Breathe of Life’ since 1903.” For more information, go to http://www.breathela.org/.