Smoke Advisory: L.A. County health department advises how to deal with unhealthy air quality
LOS ANGELES - The Tick Fire burning in Canyon Country has sent smoke throughout Los Angeles causing unhealthy air quality.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated a smoke advisory was in effect for parts of the northwest coastal Los Angeles County, west San Fernando Valley, east San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains. The advisory remains in effect through October 25.
Doctors advise people in the region to limit their time outdoors and limit physical exercise whether they’re indoors or out.
People with air quality sensitive conditions, such as heart disease, asthma or other chronic respiratory diseases, should stay indoors as much as possible even in areas where smoke, soot, or ash cannot be seen, or there is no smell of smoke, doctors say.
“It is difficult to tell where smoke, ash or soot from a fire will go, or how winds will affect the level of these particles in the air, so we ask
everyone to remember that smoke and ash can be harmful to health, even for people who are healthy," said Dr. Muntu Davis, the Health Officer for Los Angeles County.
The health department says they urged schools and recreational programs in the area to suspend outdoor activities.
“Non-school related sports organizations for children and adults are advised to cancel outdoor practices and competitions in areas where there is visible smoke, soot, or ash, or where there is a smell of smoke. This also applies to other recreational outdoor activities, such as hiking or picnics, in these areas,'' Davis added.
The health department also made a number of recommendations for pet owners.
“Avoid leaving your pets outdoors, particularly at night. Pets should be brought into an indoor location, such as an enclosed garage or a house. If dogs or cats appear to be in respiratory distress, they should be taken to an animal hospital immediately. Symptoms of respiratory distress for dogs include panting or an inability to catch their breath. Symptoms for cats are less noticeable but may include panting or an inability to catch their breath,'' Davis said in a statement.
The health department listed several recommendations on how to protect yourself from unhealthy air quality.