BREATHE LA Public Health Tips for the Days Following the Wildfires
BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) promotes lung health through research, education and technology. For more information: www.BreatheLA.org. Following, are some of their tips to protect Angeleno's from the fire's effects no matter which part of town you are in.
By Amy Sommer | September 05, 2009
1. Do not allow children to play in the ash or with unwashed toys
2. Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid skin contact
3. Avoid disseminating ash into the air; do not use non-HEPA filter vacuums
4. Using a small amount of water during clean up will help to limit the redistribution of ash and dust into the air
5. If you get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible
6. Rinse homegrown fruit or vegetables thoroughly before eating them
7. Clean ash off house pets
8. Wear well-fitting dust masks; those rated N-95 or P-100 provide better protection than simple dust or surgical masks (persons with heart or lung disease should consult a physician before using a mask).
Cleaning up after the fires is an important step in the recovery process, but must be done carefully to avoid creating further impacts on public health and pollution. Symptoms can occur as late as 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Experts recommend modifying lifestyle habits for up to seven days after the fires have ended.
For more information contact your local fire department by calling 411. Information about air quality is available at: 1-800-288-7664. For emergencies, dial 911.
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