MEASURES TO TAKE SHOULD SMOKE GET IN YOUR EYES.Byline: Brent Hopkins Staff Writer Although crews have managed to partially contain the Los Angeles-area wildfires, the blazes' hazy aftereffects aftereffects after npl → Nachwirkungen pl will still cause problems this weekend for your lungs, your eyes, your home and your car. As flames convert grass, brush, trees and man-made objects into plumes of smoke, the ash and particulates raining down can have serious effects on your health and your property. To keep yourself safe, here's a brief list of do's and don'ts: Do: --Stay inside as much as possible, particularly avoiding strenuous activity and exercise. The South Coast Air Quality Management District The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), formed in 1976, is the air pollution agency responsible mainly for regulating stationary sources of air pollution for most of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside County, and all of Orange county. notes that, when you're inside, don't feel guilty about just sitting around - you'll breathe in Verb 1. breathe in - draw in (air); "Inhale deeply"; "inhale the fresh mountain air"; "The patient has trouble inspiring"; "The lung cancer patient cannot inspire air very well" inhale, inspire less junk. --Close your windows and run your air conditioner or house fan to filter out much of the airborne fallout. Check the filters to see if they need cleaning or replacement and, if the machines aren't working right, call to get them serviced. --To protect your eyes, swap your contacts for glasses. Dr. Jonathan Davidorf, an ophthalmologist ophthalmologist /oph·thal·mol·o·gist/ (of?thal-mol´ah-jist) a physician who specializes in ophthalmology. oph·thal·mol·o·gist n. A physician who specializes in ophthalmology. with the Davidorf Eye Group in Woodland Hills, also recommends donning sunglasses sunglasses A tinted pair of glasses used to ↓ light arriving at the eye, which are labeled according to the amount of UV light blocked; nonprescription glasses are classified according to use and amount of UV radiation blocked Sunglasses outdoors and keeping a supply of lubricant Lubricant A gas, liquid, or solid used to prevent contact of parts in relative motion, and thereby reduce friction and wear. In many machines, cooling by the lubricant is equally important. drops handy to keep your eyes moist. --Hose the ash and chemicals off your plants and lawn. --Wash your car and scrub the buildup away - it'll ruin your paint job if left too long. --Go over your homeowner's or renter's insurance to make sure you're properly covered in case of disaster. Also, photograph or video your possessions and keep the record along with receipts in a safe place away from your residence. Don't: --Don't bother with a face mask Face mask The simplest way of delivering a high level of oxygen to patients with ARDS or other low-oxygen conditions. Mentioned in: Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome . While they'll keep some large particles out, they're not fine enough to protect you from the microscopic particulates that will cause the most damage to your health. --Don't let brush or dead grass pile up around your house. Falling embers em·ber n. 1. A small, glowing piece of coal or wood, as in a dying fire. 2. embers The smoldering coal or ash of a dying fire. can ignite it, even if you're not right on the fire line. --Don't go hiking or jogging, even outside of fire areas. --Don't leave home without proper medication if you're asthmatic or have other breathing problems. Brent Hopkins, 818-713-3738 brent.hopkins(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Hamid Tafressi masks his mouth to keep from inhaling smoke as a fire approaches Kittridge Street in Bell Canyon on Thursday. Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer |
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