California Wild Fires and why KN95 and N95 Masks are Highly Recommended
As wildfires continue to sweep through Los Angeles County, the air quality remains hazardous—even when smartphone weather apps report otherwise.
Pulmonologist Dr. Jeremy Falk, an associate professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, explained that weather data often fails to capture many harmful pollutants released by wildfire smoke and shifting winds.
“People might assume that if they can’t see or smell smoke and the skies look clear, the air is safe,” Falk said. “But some of the most harmful particles are odorless and invisible. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was originally designed for everyday pollutants, not the unique toxins released during wildfires.”
Falk, along with Dr. Irina Dralyuk, a pediatric pulmonologist at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, and Dr. Daryl Banta, medical director of Pulmonology and Critical Care at Huntington Health, emphasized the importance of exercising caution during periods of poor air quality, which will persist as long as the fires burn.
Understanding the Air Quality Index
An AQI reading between 101-150 signals a potential risk for sensitive groups, including those with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions. Levels of 151-200 can pose health risks even to healthy individuals, but Falk warned that AQI reports can be misleading.
“Burning materials in homes and buildings release hazardous substances like plastics, oils, and metals that aren’t accounted for in AQI measurements,” Falk noted. “Additionally, rapidly changing wind patterns mean air quality can deteriorate much faster than updates reflect. This unpredictability is what makes wildfire air pollution especially dangerous.”
For real-time updates on air conditions, the South Coast Air Quality Management District is a reliable resource.
Why Masks Matter
“The pollutants from wildfires are extremely dangerous because they include ultrafine particles, much smaller than those we encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Falk said. “These particles can bypass basic masks and penetrate deep into the lungs.”
To protect against fine particulate matter, N95 masks are the most effective option, as they can filter particles as small as 2.5 microns. KN95 masks are also a suitable alternative if N95 masks are unavailable. Dr. Banta advised ensuring masks fit securely to prevent air leaks, especially for individuals with facial hair or poorly fitting masks.
Reducing Exposure Indoors and Outdoors
“The more time spent outside in unsafe air, the higher the risk,” Falk said. “Consider moving exercise and other activities indoors. If you must be outdoors, wearing an N95 mask is essential.”
Indoors, Banta recommended sealing windows and doors, using air purifiers, and setting air conditioners to recirculate air from inside the building. For vehicles, drivers should activate the air recirculation feature and ensure air filters are clean and effective.
“If smoke, ash, or dust infiltrates indoor spaces, wearing masks inside may also be necessary,” he added.
Protecting Children and Vulnerable Groups
Dr. Dralyuk urged parents to monitor children for symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort, or labored breathing. “Children of all ages should wear an N95 or KN95 mask when outdoors in poor air conditions,” she said. She also advised avoiding outdoor activities and evacuating areas with hazardous air quality if children exhibit respiratory symptoms or have underlying health concerns.
Caregivers should ensure children’s medications, including rescue inhalers, are up to date and stocked.
Recognizing Symptoms of Exposure
Direct exposure to wildfire smoke can be highly dangerous. Severe symptoms such as intense coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or dizziness warrant immediate medical attention, according to Banta.
Milder effects include irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, and sinus irritation. Older adults, young children, and those with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Prolonged exposure to unhealthy air can also increase risks for heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer.
“If the air quality is poor, do everything possible to minimize your exposure,” Falk advised. “There’s no complex solution here—just prioritize safety and use common sense to protect yourself.”