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Is Los Angeles' air quality still poor enough to wear a mask when outdoors? Here's what you need to know

Is air quality bad outside enough to wear a mask in Los Angeles? An expert explains
Is air quality bad outside enough to wear a mask in Los Angeles? An expert explains 02:07

After several wildfires combined to torch tens of thousands of acres of vegetation in Los Angeles County, health officials advised that residents wear some sort of facial protection in the immediate aftermath. 

But now, a week after those fires first broke out and with less smoke lingering over the region, many are wondering if its safe for them to leave their homes without a mask of some sort. 

"Smoke production from the Eaton and Palisades fires has significantly decreased, as confirmed by satellite imagery, webcam visuals, and local monitors," said the South Coast Air Quality Management District on Tuesday. 

However, even with the region's current "good to moderate" rating in the Air Quality Index, officials advise that continued Santa Ana winds in the area may cause issues to re-arise. 

"With Santa Ana winds in the forecast, conditions may worsen, and the public is urged to remain cautious," said a release from AQMD. 

Windblown ash is typically too large to be detected by the instruments used to determine AQI, offiicials said, so they do not influence the current "good to moderate" rating. 

Because of this they advise people to simply look outside of their homes before leaving to see if they think the conditions are too hazardous. 

"Ash particles are typically visible to the naked eye either in the air or on outdoor surfaces," AQMD said. "Windblown ash from burned structures contains air toxins."

They say that if you see ash, take the necessary precautions to reduce your exposure to those toxins. 

"In short, although the AQI may show green, it is best to reduce exposure as the forecasted high wind events can carry ash throughout the region from the active Palisades and Eaton wildfires as well as Hurst, Kenneth, Line, Airport, and Bridge fire burn scars," they said.

In order to do this, they advise wearing a mask like an N-95 or P-100 respirator mask, staying indoors, limiting physical activities, using an HVAC system with a clean filter and/or an air purifier and avoid combustion indoors like candles, fireplaces or wood-burning appliances. 

If someone does come in contact with ash, it is strongly advised to wash it off as soon as possible. Children and pets should be kept away from ash. 

To clean and dispose of ash, officials say that the substance should be lightly misted with water before sweeping it with a broom or wet mop, but a leaf blower should never be used. The swept ashes can be disposed of in regular trash but only once dumped inside of a plastic bag or other container that prevents it from being stirred up again. 

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