Dear APHCV Patients and Members,
Due to various fires occurring in Los Angeles County, our communities are currently experiencing significantly poor air quality. Please remain indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities to minimize exposure to smoke particles. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis.
Important precautions:
- Monitor air quality updates: Check local air quality reports regularly to stay informed about current conditions. Please check these sites.
Limit if you can, long exertion outdoors if pollution levels are above a level of “55.” The level of pollution can be tracked on Weather phone apps and IQ AIR type websites.
https://aqicn.org/map/los-angeles/
https://www.iqair.com/us/air-quality-map/usa/california/los-angeles?srsltid=AfmBOopO_dcCECQscs4p8LUPwql40dvhbhFiXAH3VYmZo2i8eNLdWbRc
- Wear a mask if outdoors: If you must go outside, wear a well-fitting N-95 mask to filter smoke particles. A cloth mask is not adequate. OSHA does recommend N-95 masks.
- Use air purifiers: Run air purifiers with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)filter indoors to help clean the air. Generally, it is best to run the unit in a room with windows and door shut to maximally filter air in that room. If using a Window Air Conditioner with filter, run it on recirculate to not draw in more pollution.
- Limit activities that generate smoke: Avoid using fireplaces, candles, or other sources of indoor smoke.
- Those most vulnerable: People with respiratory conditions like asthma, young children, older adults, and pregnant women should take extra precautions and consult their healthcare provider if experiencing symptoms.
- Healthy eating and living: Just like any other health issues, keep hydrated and eat healthy well-balanced diet. Instead of going out to parties or outside events, enjoy reading, and/or calling your friends and families until air quality improves. Give support to those who might need someone to talk to. Helping others helps you feel good as well.
Please take care and call us at (323) 644 3880 if you have any questions regarding your health or our services. As always, if it is a medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
If you have been affected by the wildfires, please see here for a list of resources.
From your Care Team Members at APHCV
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Posted on January 9, 2025 by Aika Makimura
Health Precautions for Wildfire Smoke
Dear APHCV Patients and Members,
Due to various fires occurring in Los Angeles County, our communities are currently experiencing significantly poor air quality. Please remain indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities to minimize exposure to smoke particles. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis.
Important precautions:
Limit if you can, long exertion outdoors if pollution levels are above a level of “55.” The level of pollution can be tracked on Weather phone apps and IQ AIR type websites.
https://aqicn.org/map/los-angeles/
https://www.iqair.com/us/air-quality-map/usa/california/los-angeles?srsltid=AfmBOopO_dcCECQscs4p8LUPwql40dvhbhFiXAH3VYmZo2i8eNLdWbRc
Please take care and call us at (323) 644 3880 if you have any questions regarding your health or our services. As always, if it is a medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
If you have been affected by the wildfires, please see here for a list of resources.
From your Care Team Members at APHCV
Category: Uncategorized