As wildfires continue to burn across Southern California, air quality alerts have been issued across parts of the region. Widespread air quality levels across parts of Southern California are at moderate levels, or a level 2 of 6, as winds had diminished over the weekend and containment of the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst Fires increased.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued these alerts, which cover Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Clarita. The district warns that particles from the wildfires can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Individuals with lung or heart disease, older adults, pregnant women, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.
If the fires worsen with the expected increasing winds, air quality numbers could drop and expand to more areas of Southern California as winds can carry smoke miles away from the fire itself. Schools that are reopening on Monday will operate on an inclement weather schedule, limiting outdoor activities and athletics. Masks will be available for students and employees to help mitigate the effects of poor air quality.
