Toxic air warning issued to millions in California as map shows where residents are breathing deadly fumes

Parts of Southern California are under air quality advisories due to 35 wildfires in the region, releasing toxins and creating hazardous dust levels.

The South Coast Air Quality Management (AQMD) issued smoke and windblown dust warnings on Tuesday, which will remain in effect until Wednesday evening.

A smoking advisory has been issued for Los Angeles and Pasadena, with levels in some parts equivalent to smoking more than a pack of cigarettes per day.

The highest levels are in Imperial County, Salton Sea and parts of Los Angeles closer to the coast.

And a windblown dust advisory has been issued for nearly the entire South Coast Air Basin, home to more than 17 million people.

“High PM10 levels in the region are due to gusty Santa Ana winds, which can lift dust and soil into the air,” the AQMD said.

PM10 refers to particulate matter (PM) particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller.

“If there is wildfire smoke, stay indoors as much as possible,” shares Listos California, an emergency alert website.

‘Switch off everything that allows outside air to come in and set the air conditioning so that the air already present in the house is reused. If possible, use a HEPA filter device to help purify the air in your home.”

The Palisades Fire, currently the largest of 35 active fires, has consumed nearly 3,000 acres and is zero percent contained

Within 24 hours, fires destroyed nearly 15,000 acres, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency as fires destroyed more than 1,000 buildings, caused nearly 400,000 power outages and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate.

The smoke and dust are fanned by the same winds that started the wildfires, known as Santa Ana winds. These are warm and gusty northeasterly winds that blow from the interior of the region towards the coast.

AQMD shows that wind speeds, currently reaching 80 mph in some regions, are expected to decrease across the region starting at 6 p.m. PT on Wednesday.

“Smoke from the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and Hurst Fire is expected to have the greatest impact on coastal, central and southern Los Angeles County on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday,” AQM said.

“PM2.5 levels due to smoke may remain in the Unhealthy AQI category or higher in Malibu, Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding fire areas.”

Particle air pollution, also called PM2.5 pollution, is a mixture of small liquid and solid particles such as soot, dust, dirt or smoke.

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of small particles, gases and water vapor.

The South Coast Air Quality Management (AQMD) issued smoke (pictured) and windblown dust warnings on Tuesday, which will remain in effect until Wednesday evening.

And a windblown dust advisory has been issued for nearly the entire South Coast Air Basin, home to more than 17 million people.

The main health risk is the small particles, which can cause burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches and illnesses such as bronchitis.

Muntu Davis, health officer for Los Angeles County, said, “Predicting where ash or soot from a fire will travel, or how winds will affect air quality, is difficult, so it is important that everyone stays informed about air quality in your environment, make plans and take action to protect your health and that of your family.

“Smoke and ash can harm anyone, even those who are healthy. However, people at higher risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system.”

Public health officials urge residents who live where visible smoke or smoke odors or unhealthy air quality are present to avoid unnecessary exposure to outdoor air and limit physical exertion (both indoors and outdoors), such as exercise .

Children, older adults, pregnant women who are pregnant, and people with medical conditions should stay indoors as much as possible.