Clean Air & Environment - Fire Smoke And Health FAQ's

Fire Smoke And Health FAQ's

Please select a category below:

HEALTH EFFECTS

MASKS/AIR CLEANING DEVICES

AFTER THE SMOKE CLEARS

DISASTER INFO & ASSISTANCE REFERRALS

INSURANCE INFORMATION

HEALTH EFFECTS

What's in smoke?
Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burn. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. The term PM (for particulate matter) is used to describe this type of pollutant. Other components of smoke include toxic gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone.

Particles smaller than 10 microns (PM 10) can make it past our body's defenses and lodge in our lungs' airways, or bronchial tubes. PM 2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 microns) are especially dangerous and can reach into the alveoli, or air sacs, of our lungs and into the bloodstream.

What are short term health risks?
Smoke particles can build up in our bodies and cause a number of immediate health problems including burning eyes, runny noses, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, and headaches. The assault by high levels of PM can overwhelm the lungs and mucus membranes, causing a mucus and soot buildup. This makes our bodies more susceptible to infections, such as sinusitis or bronchitis. The particles also can aggravate existing heart and lung disease such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and asthma. People with a prior heart attack are at higher risk for a second heart attack.

What are long term health risks, including cancer?
It is very difficult to predict future health problems for a number of reasons. One, the October 2003 fires in Southern California are unprecedented in their scope; little data exists about long-term health effects to the public from this kind of exposure. Two, the chemical makeup of the particulate matter is unknown; it will vary according to whether the smoke is from burned brush, structures, vehicles, and their contents.

Cancer is typically associated with a lifetime of exposure to particulates and pollutants. There is some evidence that there are increases in lung cancer and other lung diseases among people who inhale PM every day over long periods of time (i.e. urban residents who are continually exposed to moderate air pollution levels). But this does not necessarily mean increases in cancer are associated with the shorter term, but more intense, exposures coming from the wildfires.

Who is most at risk?

Children (they breathe more often, so exposure is heavier)
Seniors (whose natural defenses against PM are more limited)
Pregnant women – Your doctor would have the best advice for you because he/she knows about your condition. The reason pregnant women at risk is because smoke causes constriction of blood vessels in the body. Because the placenta is full of blood vessels, your baby relies on getting an adequate blood flow. However, there are precautions that you can take to keep you and your baby safe. (refer to Health Advisory)

Can the lungs clean themselves out?
Yes, healthy lungs have a strong capacity to clean themselves. Inhaled particles get stuck in the mucus lining the respiratory tract, and then tiny, hair-like cilia sweep the dirty mucus up to the back of the throat to be coughed out or swallowed. With much exposure to smoke, you may notice increased mucus and darkening of its color. Drink plenty of fluids to help replenish your body's mucus supply. Healthy adults should recover in about one week after exposure to the fires' smoke has stopped.

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MASKS/AIR CLEANING DEVICES

How effective are masks?
Masks offer different levels of protection depending on their design. Most dust masks do not filter the PM10 and smaller particles that are most harmful. Their false sense of security may cause the wearers to increase their time in polluted air, so in general they are not recommended.

Masks that are effective at filtration also tend to be challenging to breathe through. Limit their use. Such masks are good to wear during clean up efforts and other limited-time exposures to pollutants.

Proper fit is an important consideration for all types of masks. An incomplete seal between the skin and the mask brings bad air into the airways.

The simplest smaller masks are known as dust masks. They filter large particles but are ineffective at filtering the more harmful smaller particles. Simple dust masks or surgical masks are not recommended for this reason. Other types of dust masks are available. To be effective against smaller particles (0.1 micron to 10 microns), they should have a rating of N95. The most effective masks will offer protection against gases as well as particles. These types of masks are called respirators. They cost more and are usually found in industrial settings where workers are being exposed to industrial contaminants.

What else do I need to know about respirators?
The fit to the face is key and must be individualized. For example, the typical respirator is not a good fit for a woman's smaller face and therefore can be ineffective. Men with facial hair, especially beards, also will not have a tight fit when wearing a respirator.

In the ideal situation, people want masks rated to filter organic vapors and acid gases. Really good respirators come with an exhalation vent making them a bit more comfortable for long-term use. Read the labeling and shelf life of the respirator to ensure that smaller particulate matter and other chemicals can be effectively filtered.

Carbon monoxide levels cannot be adequately dealt with without spending several hundred dollars per respirator.

Respirators with true HEPA filters are often a concern for physicians who have patients with lung disease because these masks make it hard to breathe, and can actually worsen breathing problems. Note that people with lung disease should first speak to their medical practitioner before using respirator type masks.

DISCLAIMER: It should be noted that under normal conditions, respirators should not be used until a person has received a medical examination by a doctor to determine appropriateness of use and a proper fit is determined. However, due to the unhealthful air quality conditions caused by the wild fires, the Association is providing general guidance for use of filter masks and respirators as a public service for information purposes only.

Where to get masks and respirators?
Supplies are very low. Check with medical facilities and hospitals. The Red Cross may also have a supply. Some models are carried in stores like Home Depot or paint supply stores. Industrial supply stores may be getting in new respirator shipments soon. These can also be ordered over the Internet and from various catalogs. 3M is one manufacturer.

Alpha Air in Santee has a new shipment of 3M masks, N95 designation; they are selling for $7. There were 80 in stock as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday 10/30. (Call first to ensure that people are there at the site 619-562-1026.)

Should I get an air cleaning device?
The most effective way to clean the air is usually to eliminate sources of air pollution and to have good ventilation. Obviously, these normal rules do not apply while wildfires are burning. The best recommendation at this time would be to stay indoors in a place that has good air conditioning with a filter.

What kinds of air cleaning devices to get?
Effective air cleaning devices can reduce particulate levels indoors. The Association does not provide recommendations on specific brands of air cleaning devices, but offers tips on generic features that several brands share. There are stand-alone air cleaning units, and also whole-system filters to be used with a central heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. The filter for the HVAC will clean the air that is being taken into the HVAC system, so that clean air goes through each room that has vents.

The stand-alone air cleaners need to be assessed in terms of their flow capacity. Most stand-alone units can provide air cleaning sufficient for one or two rooms of a house. They can help, but they are limited in the amount of air they can clean at one time. Place the unit so that the outflow is directed to where people are sleeping or spending most of their time.

You need to know the dimensions of the room before you order a stand-alone machine. The price will depend on the dimensions of the area being filtered. Use it at your work area or home.

Air cleaners also vary in the method used to clean the air. There are units that work by mechanical filtration (i.e.. physically trapping the particles). The American Lung Association recommends systems that have a HEPA filter, because HEPA filters are the most efficient mechanical filters for removing small particles from the air. Mechanical filters generally will not take away the smell of smoke. Their effectiveness can be enhanced by adding a charcoal filter or other type of media that absorbs some gases and odors.

Electrostatic filters clean the air by collecting particles on a metal plate as the air passes through the system. Filter plates need to be cleaned periodically as per manufacturer's guidelines. Electrostatic filters used with central HVACs can make a very effective home air cleaning system.

Ionizing cleaners work by releasing negative ions that charge airborne particles so they become attracted to and settle on room surfaces. If the particles lose their charge, however, they can re-enter the air.

Many types of ionizers work by emitting ozone. Ozone-generating devices should not be used in occupied spaces. Ozone is a proven lung irritant and exposure should be avoided.

Consumer Reports compared different brands of room air cleaners in its publication dated October, 2003 (pp 26-29).

Filter changes–keep up with them! No use having a device if its not maintained.

Where to get filters?
The HVAC type filters can be obtained through heating and air conditioning supply stores, and some hardware stores and Home Depot. Room air cleaners, including HEPA units, can be purchased at stores like Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart and Sears.

When should I return to work?
Depending on your location, your office area may have a temporary concentration of smoke which will dissipate over time – through dilution with air that is less concentrated with pollution. The air conditioning system will filter out most particulate matter, but it won't take away the smell of smoke – only time and dilution of the air in your office will take away the smell.

Until it is safe for the outside air to dilute the concentrated air on the inside, there are things you can do to make yourself and your co-workers comfortable. Refer to Health Advisory. In addition:

If your symptoms persist and are interfering with your ability to function at work or home, don't hesitate to inform your supervisor and call your doctor or health professional

Order a room air filtration machine with a HEPA filter, through a catalog or off the Internet. Search for "air cleaning devices"

Should I have respiratory protection on the job?
Cal OSHA Consultation (619-767-2060) is willing to accept calls from employers with questions about respiratory protection for their workers.

According to Cal OHSA, employers cannot simply purchase or give respirators to workers. Each worker must go through a "Medical Evaluation" first. This medical evaluation is conducted by a doctor and is required as well as proper fit testing before an employer can give an employee a respirator.

Where to get asthma or lung medications? Community clinics, Red Cross

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AFTER THE SMOKE CLEARS

Clean Up Do's and Don'ts
Do:

Wait on outdoor clean up efforts until fires have been extinguished. Note the County has asked all residents to conserve water

Clean up the ash inside your home. Damp cloth or mop methods are best, and least harmful to your home air quality

Check and replace filters for ventilation systems in your home or car. You risk getting blasted by the accumulated soot and ash! Keep replacement filters on hand

Wear an appropriate mask during clean up (but not for periods of more than one hour or so; give your lungs a break). More on masks below

Thoroughly wet dusty and sooty outside areas prior to clean up

Hose the ashes down into your planters and lawn. Ash actually improves soil quality for the plants

Exercise extra caution when working around potentially toxic burned materials: treated timber, medicines, cleaning fluids, garden, home and farm chemicals and residues from household appliances

Stay indoors as much as possible, keep your windows and doors shut, run your air conditioner and/or use your indoor air filtration system. when you are around other clean up efforts

Do Not:

Blow or sweep vigorously or use leaf-blowers. This increases airborne pollutants

Wash ash into street gutters, as it goes downstream to pollute the urban runoff into rivers and ocean. Better to wet the ashes and then sweep up into trash cans

Use ozone generators to remove smoke odors in occupied building

The American Lung Association dial-in information line (800-LUNG USA or 800-586-4872) is closed for the weekend and will to the public on Monday Nov. 3 (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to address respiratory issues and health questions.

Masks and respirators:

Most dust masks do not filter the smaller particles that are most harmful. Their false sense of security may cause the wearers to increase their time in polluted air, so in general they are not recommended. There are some paper masks that are effective at smaller particle filtration; these need to be rated "R95", "N95" or P95". They tend to be more expensive than other paper or surgical maks, and are sold at home improvement stores.

Masks that are effective at filtration also tend to be challenging to breathe through. Limit their use. Proper fit is essential; an incomplete seal between the skin and the mask brings bad air into the airways.

Larger respirators that filter out gases and fumes as well as particles are ideal, but may be ineffective due to fitting issues, or expiration dates. It should be noted that under normal conditions, respirators should not be used until a person has received a medical examination by a doctor to determine the appropriateness of use and a proper fit is determined. Due to the unhealthful air quality conditions caused by the wildfires, the Association is providing general guidance for use of filter masks and respirators as a public service for information purposes only.

More information:

The Santa Monica Fire Department has helpful information about after fire clean up. Go to http://santamonicafire.org/firesafety/postfire.htm

People with heart or lung problems should avoid clean-up activities and areas where dust or soot is present. Tips for people who do clean:

Wear an appropriate mask or respirator during clean up (but not for periods of more than one hour or so; give your lungs a break)

Do not blow or sweep vigorously – this increases airborne pollutants

Thoroughly wet dusty and sooty areas prior to clean up. Hose the ashes down into your planters and lawn. Ash actually improves soil quality for the plants. Furthermore, when ash goes into street gutters it goes downstream to pollute the urban runoff into rivers and ocean. Better to wet the ashes and then sweep up into trash cans

Remember: ash will be in the air for several days, so outdoor clean-up efforts before the fires are extinguished may be futile. Note the County has asked all residents to conserve water

Do clean up the ash inside your home

Do not turn on ventilation systems in your home or car without first checking the filters – you risk getting blasted by the accumulated soot and ash! Change filters as necessary and keep replacements on hand

When close to clean up activities, stay indoors as much as possible, keep your windows and doors shut, run your air conditioner and/or use your indoor air filtration system.

When is it OK to go outside and to exercise? While air monitoring data indicate air quality has returned to "good to moderate" levels, local air quality may still be unhealthy while fires burn. Use adult judgment and informed common sense to make decisions about resuming outdoor exercise, allowing kids with asthma to exercise, and general outdoor activity.

Many of us have absorbed a big dose of pollutants over the last four days. It takes the body some time to flush out the particulates and toxins. Lungs are still sensitive and vulnerable to irritation and infection during this time, especially among those with existing heart and lung conditions, children and the elderly.

In general, the air quality in non fire burning areas of San Diego is improving. However, since monitors don't exist for all areas of San Diego some "hot spots" with elevated levels may exist.

To learn about air quality in the parts of San Diego where monitors are located, call the Air Pollution Control District at 858-650-4777 or go to www.sdapcd.co.san-diego.ca.us

You can make an assumption that if you live near one of these areas, your local air quality levels may be similar.

Regardless of the reported levels, if you or your child experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, cough, or sneezing when outdoors, it's best to limit outdoor time.

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HALLOWEEN

Is it safe to take the kids out trick-or-treating?
Because of marked improvements in the Air Quality Index of particulate pollutants, parents or children who have asthma or lung disease may want to consider trick-or-treating outdoors in San Diego County.

This at-risk group is most likely to develop symptoms, so adult judgment and informed common sense should be used to make decisions about any outdoor activity. This is true for all adults and children, especially so for those who are at risk.

Many of us have absorbed a big dose of pollutants over the last four days. It takes the body some time to flush out the particulates and toxins. Lungs are still sensitive and vulnerable to irritation and infection during this time, especially among those with existing heart and lung conditions, children and the elderly.

Families who choose to go outdoor trick-or-treating should do so only where the Air Quality Index is at or under 75 ("Moderate" or "Good" air quality).

All parents should check the Air Quality Index on Friday for the area in which they plan to trick-or-treat, to make sure that the Air Quality Index is 75 or less. To check the Air Quality Index, go to http://www.sdapcd.co.san-diego.ca.us/air/otoday.html or to www.lungsandiego.org and follow the links. Parents can also call the Air Pollution Control District for the Air Quality Forecast at 858-650-4777.

Note that since monitors don't exist for all areas of San Diego some "hot spots" with elevated levels may exist.

Regardless of the reported levels, if you or your child experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, cough, or sneezing when outdoors, it's best to limit outdoor time.

Please read our Halloween Advisory for more information.

The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting free Halloween festivals in all County Community Centers. Children are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy trick-or-treating in a safe, indoor environment. 4-8 p.m. on Halloween (Friday). Locations are:

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DISASTER INFO & ASSISTANCE REFERRALS

To connect to emergency services and businesses for free: 1-800-SAN-DIEGO
Union Tribune Sign On San Diego Fire News and Updates: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/fires/031027fire_blog.html
San Diego city emergency hotline: 619-570-1070
City of San Diego Fire Information 619-570-1070
Police Department Non-Emergency Line 619-531-2000. Report lookie-loos on streets with damaged or destroyed homes
San Diego Unified School District Information: 619-725-5578, or visit http://www.sandi.net/fire/index.htm
Navy personnel: 619-556-9396 and 619-556-7483
County Employees Responding to work: 858-715-2226
San Diego Red Cross: 619-542-7400
San Diego Humane Society: 619-299-7012
Southwest Airlines: 800-435-9792

Complimentary and discounted accommodations for displaced fire victims
Please call San Diego Concierge at 800-979-9091 7 am to 9 pm PDT. Participating hotels include: La Costa Resort and Spa, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, Park Manor Suites, Holiday Inn Harbor View, Holiday Inn Express Old Town, Del Mar Hilton, Holiday Inn Stadium, Marriot Courtyard Old Town, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, Day Inn Hoteel Circle, The Grande Colonial, Holiday Innn on the Bay, Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, and Lowes Coronado Bay Resort.

U-Haul Offers Free Storage To Residents Affected By San Diego Fires
The U-Haul Co. of San Dieog announced Monday it is offering 30 days of free self-storage at seven U-Haul Moving and Storage centers to families affected by the wild fires.

Carlsbad – 6175 Paseo Del Norte, 760-929-0425
Chula Vista – 99 N. Fourth Ave., 619-426-6432
El Cajon – 1186 East Main St., 619-442-3483
Lemon Grove – 1805 Massachusetts Ave., 619-460-6370
Miramar – 9650 Camino Ruiz, 858-271-7753
Poway – 13210 Poway Rd., 858-4863660

Visit www.uhaul.com for more information.

FEMA – The Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals
http://www.fema.gov/about/process/

Call to apply for assistance 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.

For use ONLY by people in designated federal disaster areas. Be Prepared to give:

Your Social Security number
Describe your losses
Provide financial information
Give street address and directions to the damaged property
Your current mailing address and a telephone number where you can be reached in the event that you have been forced to relocate
Your houshold's approximate gross income at the time of the fire
Information on the type of insurance coverage you have

Clean Up Efforts

Urban Corps of San Diego 619-235-6884
Alpha Project of San Diego 619-542-1877
Black Contractors Association is creating a coalition, working with Douglas Barnhart, to provide licensed contractors to help with damage assessments. They will include Urban Corps and Alpha for help with the clean up efforts. More info to follow on Wednesday.

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INSURANCE INFORMATION

State of California Insurance Hotline: 1-888-927-4357
Allstate: 800-547-8676
Auto Club of Southern California: 800-672-5246
California Casualty: 800-800-9410
Farmers: 800-435-7764 / Spanish 877-732-5266
Fireman's Fund: 888-347-3428
Liberty Mutual: 800-225-24
Metlife: 800-422-4272
Nationwide: 877-422-6800
Oregon Mutual: 800-934-3809
Prudential: 800-437-3535
USAA: 800-531-8222
Safeco: 800-332-3226
State Farm: 800-732-5246
Traveler's: 800-252-4633
21st Century: 800-322-8200

Property Tax Respite
Assessor's Office 858-505-6262

County of San Diego Tax Collector's Office 619-531-6412

Property owners who lost their homes in the weekend fires will receive property tax reductions and, in some cases, tax rebates. County Assessor Gregory Smith, who also is the county clerk and recorder, said he will notify affected owners as soon as he receives a list of fire-damaged properties in which losses were $10,000 or more. Once owners file a "calamity" claim and the information is verified, the assessment will be reduced automatically. When a home is rebuilt, the valuation will be returned to the pre-fire level, regardless of the cost of reconstruction, plus the value of any additional area or improvement.