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Advisory for Toxic Ash and Dust Issued for Los Angeles

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Fires continue to burn out of control around the greater Los Angeles area.
Fires continue to burn out of control around the greater Los Angeles area.

As fires continue to burn out of control in and around Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Public Health Department has issued a Windblown Ash and Dust Advisory and are warning people in southern California to mask-up from hazardous airborne materials. The advisory is in effect through at least 7 pm Wednesday.

Tips to avoid injury from ash/dust are being provided by local officials. Image: LA Public Health
Tips to avoid injury from ash/dust are being provided by local officials. Image: LA Public Health

“High winds may disperse ash from the multiple fire zones to all areas to the south and west of these burn areas. Windblown ash from burned structures may contain higher air toxic levels,” warns the department.

Windblown dust and ash contain small particles that may cause irritation or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions. Public Health advises everyone to take the following precautions to reduce exposure:

  1. Stay Inside: Keep windows and doors closed. Use an air purifier or run your air conditioning system on recirculate to keep indoor air clean.
  2. Wear a Mask: If you must go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask to protect your lungs.
  3. Secure Loose Items: Tie down or bring in items like chairs, trash cans, and other outdoor belongings to prevent them from becoming hazards.
  4. Protect Your Eyes: If outside, wear goggles to shield your eyes from airborne ash and debris.
  5. Stay Informed: Monitor updates from local news sources for the latest on weather conditions, air quality, and potential evacuation notices.
  6. Tips to avoid injury from ash/dust are being provided by local officials. Image: LA Public Health
    Tips to avoid injury from ash/dust are being provided by local officials. Image: LA Public Health

    Be Prepared: Have a plan in place in case conditions worsen, including essential supplies and emergency contacts.

Strong winds are expected to continue dispersing ash and dust from burn scars in the Palisades, Eaton, and other impacted areas. Air quality may reach levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse in some regions. While ash particles are typically visible, they may not always affect Air Quality Index (AQI) readings. Nonetheless, these particles can carry toxic materials and pose significant health risks.

According to the Health Department, conditions are expected to improve by late Wednesday as wind speeds decrease.

Fires in the Los Angeles area in recent days have killed more than 25 people and have caused more than $250 billion in damages, making it the costliest disaster ever in American history.