Map shows hazardous air quality due to California wildfires

LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) – As three major wildfires burn out of control in Southern California, smoke clouded the region and beyond. Millions woke up to hazy skies and poor air quality as crews continued to struggle Fire of Palisades west of los angeles, the Eaton Fire near Altadena and the Hurst/Sylmar Fire near Santa Clarita.

Air quality sensors monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency showed hazardous conditions, the most severe of six air quality levels, in downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park and East LA.

Air quality while the fires break out it was considered “very unhealthy” in Inglewood, Baldwin Hills and Culver City.

Coastal areas and beach communities are usually relieved of poor air quality thanks to fresh ocean air, but that was not the case Wednesday as the fires burned so close to the water

As wind and fire conditions change rapidly, zoom in and out on the interactive map below to see where air quality is worst in Southern California. You can also open the map in a new window here.

Smoke conditions for the entire jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which includes Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, can also be viewed. here.

These sensors measure PM2.5 levels to determine where the air is unhealthy to breathe. PM2.5 is fine particulate matter consisting of particles 2.5 microns or less in diameter. Particles can travel deep into our lungs, causing tissue damage and lung inflammation.

Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to premature death, hospital admissions, bronchitis, asthma attacks and other respiratory and heart problems, according to the California Air Resources Board.explains.

The best way to protect yourself from poor air quality is to minimize exposure and wear an N95 respirator if you have to go out. Air purifiers can help keep the air inside your home or apartment safe to breathe.

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