Los Angeles County Health Officials Issue Wildfire Smoke Inhalation Warning
Los Angeles County public health officials have warned people with heart or lung ailments, seniors and young children that they should refrain from prolonged or heavy exertion while smoke from area wildfires pollutes the air, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. The smoke, which contains small particles of solid matter, gases and water vapor that can cause health problems, is "particularly unhealthful for sensitive individuals," county Public Health Director Jonathan Fielding said in a health advisory. He added, "Some areas without visible smoke still have poor air quality." Health officials said that staying indoors, keeping doors and windows closed and using indoor air filtration devices with HEPA filters can reduce exposure to smoke (Los Angeles Daily News, 7/21).
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