SACRAMENTO – Dr. Thomas Aragon, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state public health officer, advised Californians in areas affected by wildfire smoke to stay indoors and, if necessary, stay outdoors. He urged people to take measures to protect their health, such as reducing their outdoor activities and avoiding smoking. smoke and ash. Californians can check their local Air Quality Index (AQI) on EPA AirNow.

“Wildfires and the resulting smoke and ash can be particularly unhealthy for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, those with respiratory disease or asthma, and pregnant women,” said Dr Aragon. I’m here. “California residents should be aware of the dangers of inhaling wildfire smoke and ash. Vulnerable people, especially children, the elderly, and pregnant women, should reduce outdoor activity and You should stay indoors.”

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that are respiratory irritants and can affect the lungs and heart if inhaled deeply. Exposure to high concentrations of fine particles can cause persistent coughing, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Wildfire smoke can also cause eye irritation, decreased lung function, and bronchitis. Inhaling smoke can make asthma symptoms worse. People with underlying lung or heart problems should limit their exposure by staying indoors.

Those who need to work outdoors, in smoky areas, or where ash is present for extended periods of time should wear a tight-fitting N95 or P100 respirator. Wearing a respirator can make breathing difficult, so people with lung or heart problems should consult a doctor before use.

Wildfires can also lead to emergency evacuations, and it is important to follow instructions from local authorities when evacuations are ordered. Current evacuation information can often be found by monitoring local news outlets and official social media channels of emergency responders such as sheriff’s offices, police departments, and fire departments.

“During wildfires, your safety and the safety of your loved ones should be a priority. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or area, evacuate immediately,” said Dr Aragon. said.

Tips to reduce smoke and ash inhalation

To avoid health problems, CDPH recommends the following steps:

• Stay indoors. The most common advice during smoke is to stay indoors where people have better control over their environment. Indoor environments that filter the air and control the climate, whether at home or in public spaces, are smoke and heat free.
• Adjust your AC so that you don’t inhale smoky air. If your home has a central air conditioning system, set it to recirculate or close the outdoor air intakes to avoid breathing in smoky outdoor air. Replace the air filter regularly.
• Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution. Smoking tobacco, using gas, propane, wood stoves or hearths, spraying aerosol products, frying or grilling meat, burning candles or incense, and vacuuming can all increase particle levels in your home. should be avoided when wildfire smoke is present.
• Reduce physical activity to reduce inhalation of smoky air. During exercise, a person can increase air intake up to 20 times higher than at rest.
• Prepare to evacuate. Monitor wildfire activity in your area and be prepared to evacuate if advised.
• As little ash as possible. Avoid dry sweeps, use water and a damp cloth or mop to clean items and surfaces. Do not use a leaf blower or do anything that will blow the ash into the air.
• Use PPE. Wear a tight-fitting respirator, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants when cleaning up ash. Avoid skin contact. If you get ash on your skin, wash it off immediately. Some wet ash can cause chemical burns.
• Vacuum cleaners do not filter small particles. Store vacuums and other common vacuum cleaners do not filter small particles. They blow such particles out of the exhaust into the air where they can be inhaled. If possible, you can use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
• Monitor children and young adults. Do not let children play with the ash or leave the ash-covered material in a mess. Wash off the ash before your child plays with the toy. Clean up pet ash. Children and young people are more susceptible to the health and emotional effects of recovering from a fire, so be careful.
• Prepare emergency supplies. Have an emergency kit complete with medications, copies of prescriptions, and medical supplies.
• Find nearby shelters, including those with pets.
• medical care. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.