AIR QUALITY
San Diego County Air Quality
www.sdapcd.org
National Air Quality Index
www.airnow.gov
Protecting Your Lungs
www.californialung.org
NEWS 8 HEALTH ALERT: Southern Californians
are breathing soot, ash and chemicals, which all pose a health
risk. Using an air purifier can help remove contaminants from
the air. CLICK
HERE >> for air purifier advice.
SAFE CLEANUP OF ASH
As County residents begin returning to their homes and work, the County of San Diego HHSA (Health and Human Services Agency) recommends that precautions be taken to minimize exposure to ash and dust that have resulted from the firestorm.
Dr. Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County of San Diego Public Health Officer, reminds residents that air quality can be an issue for many days after the fires are out and advises people to take special precautions when cleaning their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. The most important thing to remember is to lightly mist indoor and outdoor hard surfaces before gently sweeping ash. On lightly dusted areas, a damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed. Brick and Wooten recommend limiting prolonged exertion outdoors until the weekend.
Ash deposited on indoor and outdoor surfaces near the fire is relatively non-toxic and is similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace. However, any ash:
- may be irritating to the skin, especially sensitive skin
- will contain small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals
- can be irritating to the nose and throat if breathed, and may cause coughing
- may trigger asthmatic attacks in people who already have asthma.
In order to avoid possible health problems, the following is recommended:
- Do not allow children to play in the ash or with unwashed toys.
- Clean ash off house pets.
- Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid skin contact.
- If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
- Rinse homegrown fruit or vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
- Avoid disseminating ash into the air; do not use leaf blowers or non-HEPA filter vacuums.
- Wear well-fitting dust masks; those rated N-95 or P-100 provide better protection than simple dust or surgical masks (persons with heart or lung disease should consult a physician before using a mask).
- Gentle sweeping of indoor and outdoor hard surfaces followed by wet mopping is usually best.
- A damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed on lightly dusted areas; if ash is wet down, use as little water as possible
- The Regional Water Control Quality Board asks that you avoid washing ash into storm drains if possible.
- Collected ash may be disposed of in your regular trash collection. Ash may be stored in plastic bags or other containers that will prevent it from being disturbed.
Ash and any debris inside burned structures may contain more toxic substances than forest fire ash because of the many synthetic and other materials present in buildings, requiring a cautious approach. Older buildings in particular may contain asbestos and lead. |
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH STRESS DURING A DISASTER
Information courtesy of Scripps Health
http://www.scrippshealth.org/
- Talk about your feelings with family, friends and neighbors. Don’t be afraid to share what you are going through with others.
- Spend time with your family. This is the time to stay in touch by phone, E-mail or in person, if possible.
- Take special care of yourself. Try to rest, eat regularly and limit caffeine. Avoid the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol.
- Limit your exposure to images of the disaster, once you know you and your family are out of danger.
- Find time for other activities when possible. Read books, watch movies or engage in other activities that you enjoy.
- Prioritize your “to-do” list and take one thing at a time. Recovering from a disaster may take weeks or months. Pick the most urgent item and start to work on it. Checking off tasks one by one may make them seem less overwhelming.
- Do something positive for others. Volunteer to help others if you can. Preparing care packages, helping neighbors, being part of a rebuilding effort – these are all ways you can support your community and regain your own sense of purpose.
- Ask for help when needed. If anxiety, depression or fears don’t go away or they are interfering with your daily life, talk with your doctor, a trusted friend, spiritual advisor or family member. Make an appointment with a mental health professional that is skilled in helping people cope following a disaster situation.
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