Oct. 29, 2003
At a Northridge elementary school
today, Southland air quality officials offered tips for children, schools and
the elderly to avoid the adverse health effects of breathing smoke from some of
the worst wildfires in the state’s history.
“Air quality in some areas
has been severely impacted from Southern California’s firestorms,” said William
A. Burke, Ed.D., Governing Board Chairman of the South Coast Air Quality
Management District.
“To address this
unprecedented situation, we have developed specific tips for children, seniors
and the general public to help them avoid health impacts from the smoke.”
Those at greatest risk
from smoke exposure are people with heart and lung diseases, including chronic
pulmonary disease, emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Seniors are more likely to
have such conditions.
Children are more
sensitive to smoke because their respiratory systems are still developing.
Children also breathe more air per pound of bodyweight than adults and they are
more active outdoors, increasing their exposure to outdoor pollutants.
Short-term effects of
smoke exposure include a scratchy throat, headache, runny nose and itchy eyes.
Epidemiological studies from around the world have shown that elevated levels of
particulates, such as are occurring now around the Southland, are associated
with increased death rates.
At Beckford Elementary
School in Northridge today, Burke released AQMD tip sheets that will be widely
distributed to schools and the general public in the days to come. AQMD staff
also will answer questions from the public during normal business hours as well
as this weekend on its 1-800-CUT-SMOG line. Among the tips:
- Stay indoors.
Limit your exposure to unhealthful air quality conditions as much as possible.
Keep your windows and doors closed. Use your air conditioning system, and place
it on recirculation mode if available to avoid bringing outdoor air into the
home. Remember to change your filters regularly. Indoor HEPA air filters can
reduce the levels of particles in your home.
- Play indoors.
Choose indoor options for children that live and play in areas with unhealthful
pollution levels. Schools and day care centers should limit or cancel outdoor
activities and events that involve prolonged exposure and strenuous exercise or
sports participation.
- Reduce your activity.
Reducing your physical activity lowers the amount of polluted air you breathe.
- Consult your physician.
If you suffer from a heart or lung ailment, monitor your physical condition
closely and talk with your doctor. He or she can advise you on treatment and
whether and when you should leave the area. Call your doctor immediately
if your condition worsens.
- Have a plan.
People with chronic diseases should have an adequate supply of medications (5
days or more). Asthmatics should have a written asthma management plan
available.
- Stay alert.
Look and listen for air quality alerts provided by the AQMD in newspapers, radio
and television. They are also available at
www.aqmd.gov and 1-800-CUT-SMOG. If the air quality in your area worsens,
take necessary precautions to protect your and your family’s health. Below is
the air quality index for fine particulates. Use this guide to gauge your and
your family’s outdoor activity during unhealthful air quality conditions.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
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