Health Information
During wildfire smoke events, fine particulates suspended in the air are the primary harmful pollutant. Breathing in this smoke can have immediate effects, such as shortness of breath, stinging eyes and headaches; even in someone who is healthy. These symptoms can be compounded in sensitive individuals, or those who have existing medical conditions. We encourage you to see your medical provider if you experience symptoms related to the inhalation of wildfire smoke.
More about the symptoms that you may experience can be found at the CDC’s Wildfire Smoke webpage.
Monitor Conditions
Air quality may change quickly depending on wildfire location, intensity and weather conditions. UCLA has installed outdoor air quality sensors at five locations on and around campus. The university also monitors the EPA “AirNow” and “Fire and Smoke” maps.
Campus sensors are located at Sproul Hall, the Anderson School Complex, Terasaki Life Sciences Building, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and Sycamore Court Apartments. The nearest regulatory sensor is located at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, located south-west of the main campus.
Local air quality conditions and campus response actions are available to view at the UCLA AirQual page.
Limit Exposure
When air quality worsens, outdoor activities should be minimized. Individuals should remain indoors with doors and windows closed to reduce the amount of outdoor air that makes it inside. Most buildings on campus have mechanical ventilation filtration systems that are effective at filtering out smoke and providing clean air.
Specific actions to minimize exposure to wildfire smoke can be viewed on the UC AQI-Based Decision-Making Matrix for Wildfire Smoke Events on the UCLA AirQual page.
Use of Respirators
Cloth face coverings and surgical masks are not effective protection against pollutants found in wildfire smoke. Use of particulate respirators such as N-95 respirators offer protection from particulates found in smoke but they are not effective at removing other harmful chemicals that may become airborne. They can also increase the work of breathing, which can be harmful for people with underlying heart or lung conditions. It is recommended that you consult your medical provider before using an N-95 respirator.
