LOS Angeles healthcare professionals face a growing crisis as wildfire smoke engulfs the region, posing severe health risks for millions. As wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, their immediate danger is compounded by the invisible, long-term health threats posed by toxic smoke inhalation.
Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter (PM2.5) that can exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma and COPD, and it has been linked to increased risks of cardiac arrest and stroke. Even healthy individuals are not immune, as exposure can trigger systemic inflammation and respiratory irritation. This double burden of smoke-related health issues and a concurrent respiratory virus season is overwhelming local health resources.
AirNow.gov reports that air quality in much of Los Angeles is categorized as “unhealthy,” with surrounding areas flagged as hazardous for sensitive populations. According to Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a pediatric asthma specialist and spokesperson for the American Lung Association, “Wildfires don’t just burn what’s wild; they also incinerate manmade structures, releasing harmful chemicals into the air.” He strongly advises residents to stay indoors with HEPA filtration systems, use KN95 masks when venturing outside, and follow medication regimens diligently.
Health clinics across the county are grappling with closures due to hazardous conditions. Kaiser Permanente has temporarily shut down nine outpatient facilities, while UCLA Health has closed over a dozen clinics, including its Alhambra Cancer Care. Elective surgeries at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center have been rescheduled, and residents in certain zip codes have been instructed to boil water due to contamination risks.
For healthcare providers, the message is clear: emphasize early intervention and education. Patients with respiratory or cardiovascular issues should be monitored closely, and those experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness should seek immediate medical attention.
This wildfire season serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust public health strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate-related health crises. Doctors and healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in protecting vulnerable populations and advocating for cleaner air policies in wildfire-prone regions.
Reference: L.A. infernos pose added health dangers. Axios. 2025. Available at: https://www.axios.com/2025/01/09/la-wildfire-smoke-poses-health-dangers?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_medium=email&utm_source=rasa_io&utm_campaign=newsletter. Last accessed: January 10, 2025.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
