In the aftermath of the Southern California wildfires, health experts are warning residents about the possible dangers of toxins still lingering in the air.
Ash, smoke and other chemicals can easily seep into homes and buildings, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“During a wildfire or other combustion-related activities, concentrations of particles can substantially increase in the air to the point that particle pollution is visible to the naked eye,” said the EPA.
“This level of smoke, of pollution that’s in the air, the ash, the chemicals, can irritate our lungs and upper airways,” explained Dr. Afif El-Hasan, an asthma specialist at Kaiser Permanente in Orange County.
El-Hasan said he’s seen an uptick in patients with respiratory illness since the Palisades and Eaton fires ignited on Jan. 7.
As the Hughes Fire broke out near Castaic on Wednesday, air quality across the Southland continues to suffer.
“The best remedy is to stay inside as much as possible and make sure there’s a good air filtration system within the home,” El-Hasan advised. “If you must go outside, I would recommend a mask. The N95 mask is probably the most reasonably-priced mask that you can get.”
Toxic chemicals can linger in the air for days or even weeks after a wildfire is extinguished. As some residents return home, many are concerned over negative health effects.
Pasadena resident Traci Samczyk said her backyard is filled with ash, soot and other harmful particles from the Eaton Fire. She’s been cleaning the residue from her garden while worried about exposure to toxins.
“Do I throw this out, do I try and clean it? I’m not sure what to do,” Samczyk said of her belongings. “I’m just worried about long-term effects, not only for us, but for our neighbors. We’re lucky we had respirators, goggles and gloves, but I can only do a little bit at a time. Even with protection gear, I still feel sick when I’m done.”
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Lt. Matt Phillips, left, from Kitsap County firefighting strike team from Bainbridge Island, Wash., directs his crew while checking homes for structural issues in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Friday. Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) -
Residents and their dogs from a dog park keep watch as smoke from the Palisades Fire rises over a ridge in the Encino section of Los Angeles on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) -
Altadena, CA – January 8: The remains of a home lost in the Eaton fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) -
Firefighters watch as water is dropped on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) -
A helicopter drops water on the Hughes Fire as firefighters monitor flames in Castaic, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) -
Firefighters work to control the spread of the Hughes Fire in Castaic, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) -
Properties damaged by the Palisades Fire are seen from a coastline perspective in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) -
Homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire are seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) -
Firefighters monitor flames caused by the Hughes Fire along a roadside in Castaic, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Health experts said, if possible, it’s best to hire a professional cleaning crew for homes that are covered in ash and soot. Despite fire crews gaining almost full containment on the Palisades and Eaton fires, experts warn that health risks from poor air quality remain.
“Those will continue to push particles and chemicals into the air and people have to remain cautious,” said El-Hasan. “Those chemicals — the pollution, soot, and smoke — can be around for weeks or even months.”
Anyone living in an area impacted by smoke should:
- Limit their exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter
- Avoid vigorous physical activity.
- Run the air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air
- Avoid burning wood in a fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling
- If you must be outside, a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection
