Several rapidly spreading wildfires in Southern California have generated unhealthy levels of smoke in areas close to where the blazes are burning. And millions of people across Southern California are also under an excessive heat warning. Here’s how people can stay safe.
Check the air quality.
The New York Times publishes maps that track air quality and wildfire smoke nationwide. AirNow.Gov and Fire.AirNow.Gov also show the air quality index in a given area, which can help you determine if you should limit the amount of time you spend outdoors. Air Quality Index values above 100 mean that outdoor air may be unsafe for people who are at higher risk of getting sick. Levels over 200 are considered “very unhealthy.”
Understand your risk.
Smoke can exacerbate the symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you have these conditions, you may want to be especially cautious when the air is smoky. People with other chronic conditions, like diabetes, chronic kidney disease and heart disease, also have a higher risk of getting sick from inhaling smoke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children and pregnant women may also be at risk, according to the agency.
But anyone can feel the effects of wildfire smoke. Inhaling it can immediately cause coughing and wheezing, a headache, stinging eyes, a scratchy throat, sinus irritation, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat and fatigue.
Consider wearing a mask.
You should stay inside as much as possible, particularly if you are at higher risk of illness. If you need to go outside, wear a high-quality, tightfitting mask, like an N95. This can help filter out tiny particles from the smoke, said Laura Corlin, an associate professor of public health and community medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine.