Pasadena Public Health Department Encourages Public To Stay Indoors

PASADENA (CNS) - People affected by smoke from the Eaton Fire were advised Thursday by the Pasadena Public Health Department to remain indoors and avoid outside activities to prevent smoke and ash inhalation.

With wildfires a serious health concern for older adults, pregnant individuals, children and people with respiratory illnesses such as asthma the department encouraging residents to take precautionary actions, according to Lisa Derderian, Pasadena's public information officer.

Some of the steps to assist with preventing smoke and ash inhalation include:

-- Shutting all windows;

-- Turning off vents to the outdoors;

-- Using portable air cleansers or purifiers indoors;

-- Reducing physical activity;

-- Wearing a well-fitted respiratory mask, gloves, long-sleeve shirts, and long pants while cleaning up ash;

-- Avoid skin contact with ash and immediately wash it off if it comes into contact with your skin, with caution that some wet ash can cause chemical burns;

-- Monitoring children and young adults and not allowing them to play with ash or be within proximity of ash-covered materials;

-- Cleaning ash off pets;

-- Seek immediate medical assistance if you are experiencing chest pain, tightness, or shortness of breath.

According to Derderian, the smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that irritate the lungs and heart when deeply inhaled, and emphasized that a high concentration of these particles can result in a persistent cough, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing, labored breathing, and eye irritation.

``Urban wildfires can lead to potentially greater risks to health because they often release more toxic pollutants due to the burning of synthetic materials like plastics and metals found in buildings," Derderian said in a statement.

``People who must work outdoors for long periods in areas with heavy smoke or where ash is present should wear a well-fitting N95, P100, or P110+ organic vapor respirator mask."

Derderian said that individuals with lung or heart complications should consult a physician before using a respirator, as wearing one can sometimes cause difficulty breathing.

Additional information is available by calling the City Service Center at 626-744-7311 during business hours weekdays.