Southern California is facing dangerous air quality conditions as three major wildfires—the Palisades Fire in western Los Angeles, the Eaton Fire near Altadena, and the Hurst/Sylmar Fire near Santa Clarita—continue to burn out of control. Smoke from the fires has blanketed the region, creating hazardous conditions and prompting health concerns for millions of residents.

On Wednesday morning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recorded “hazardous” air quality levels in several areas, including downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park, and East Los Angeles. These are the most severe air quality conditions on the EPA’s six-tier scale. Other parts of the region, such as Inglewood, Baldwin Hills, and Culver City, experienced “very unhealthy” air quality. Even coastal areas, which are typically shielded from wildfire smoke by ocean breezes, reported poor conditions due to the proximity of the fires to the coastline.

The primary pollutant affecting air quality is PM2.5, fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. These particles can travel deep into the lungs, potentially causing tissue damage, inflammation, and other health problems. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to premature death, bronchitis, asthma attacks, and increased hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiac issues, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

To protect themselves, residents are advised to stay indoors, use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality, and wear an N95 respirator if they must go outside. Avoiding strenuous outdoor activities can also reduce exposure to harmful particles. As crews work to control the fires, conditions may change, and authorities urge the public to stay updated and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.