UCLA pulmonologist shares impacts of wildfires on air quality, health

Air quality is a critical area of research for the UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge. As wildfire season continues in the Los Angeles region, Dr. Eric Kleerup, a pulmonologist at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, shares how wildfires impact air quality and what precautions can be taken in a recent UCLA Newsroom story:

– While minimal exposure is not enough to cause long-term health damage, short-term symptoms from exposure to particulate matter and smoke can include irritated eyes, runny nose, shortness of breath, and a scratchy throat.

– Poor air quality can exacerbate the symptoms of health conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it is critical to seek medical attention if this happens.

– If you must be outdoors, consider wearing a fitted mask.

Read more at UCLA Newsroom.