The smoke from burning household products, plastics, aerosols, etc. contains hazardous chemicals and particles like VOCs and soot (PM2.5), which can travel through your lungs and enter the bloodstream. The more you breathe in this air, the higher the risk is for long-term and severe health effects. PM2.5 particulates are associated with premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart or lung causes, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, respiratory symptoms, etc.

If you are near visible smoke or can smell smoke and are not under evacuation order, protect yourself by limiting outdoor exposure and taking measures inside the home to keep the air clean and prevent smoke from traveling indoors.

Air purifiers, specifically one with HEPA filters, are a great way to reduce hazardous particles. Having the AC on recirculate with a new filter can also help (do not blow outdoor air in). Keep windows and doors shut and pets inside. If you need to be outdoors, wear respirator masks like P100 masks. N95 masks are the next best thing (available at all LA Public Library locations while supplies last).

Please note, according to Breathe California, “humidifiers are not air cleaners, and will not significantly reduce the amount of particles in the air during a smoke event. Nor will they remove gases like carbon monoxide. However, humidifiers and dehumidifiers (depending on the environment) may slightly reduce pollutants through condensation, absorption and other mechanisms. In an arid environment, one possible benefit of running a humidifier during a smoke event might be to help the mucous membranes remain comfortably moist, which may reduce eye and airway irritation.”

Our disinfecting solution also cannot remove PM2.5 particulates, but it can help to reduce some of the secondary VOCs and odors emitted from the fires that may be causing irritation. Make sure to use additional air filters to remove the hazardous particles, and do not rely solely on our solution to keep you safe from smoke and soot. It is not meant for these particles.

Most importantly, remain vigilant and stay safe. Let’s protect our health, our neighbors, and our communities.

Go Fund Me for Wildfire Victims

• Displaced Black Families of LA — Mutual Aid Directory
• Displaced Latine Families of LA — Mutual Aid Directory
• Displaced Disabled Folks of LA — Mutual Aid Directory
• Victims of Wildfires w/ Less Than 30% of Their Goal

On-the-ground Resources & Aid

• American Red Cross
• Breathe Right LA — Funds can be sent to @evelynnworld on venmo to purchase air purifiers, humidifiers, inhalers, allergy meds, nebulizers, filters, etc.
• California Fire Foundation
• LA Fire Department Emergency Fund
• Los Angeles Fire Emergency Directory — Shelters, Transit Information, Supply Distribution Centers, etc.
• MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources (donations, services, shelters, etc.)

Volunteer Opportunities

• Masterlist

Food Donations

• World Central Kitchen Donations
• World Central Kitchen Distribution Locations
• Feed the Streets

Animal Shelters

• Pasadena Humane Society Donation
• SPCLA Disaster Relief Donation

Useful Information and Other Resources

• Fire Victims To-Do List
• Pro Bono Therapists for LA Wildfires
• Other Resources (like FEMA, restaurants offering food, etc.)