LOS ANGELES — Emergency medical supplies and respiratory protection equipment including N-95 masks were handed out to first responders and Southland residents Wednesday to mitigate potentially severe health risks from smoke exposure, officials said.

Wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter, which pose serious risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health. Devastating brush fires continue to burn out of control in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Canyon area above Altadena, both driven by the worst wind event to hit the Southland in years.

A third major fire broke out in the Sylmar area, and the smoke from these fires could eventually spread to nearby cities, authorities said.

"Predicting where ash or soot from a fire will travel, or how winds will impact air quality, is difficult, so it's important for everyone to stay aware of the air quality in your area, make plans, and take action to protect your health and your family's health," Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, said in a statement. "Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy. However, people at higher risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems."

Wildfires not only destroy homes and infrastructure but also have significant and long-lasting effects on public health. As wildfires become more frequent and severe, the health risks to individuals and communities continue to grow, particularly for those already vulnerable.

Poor air quality is especially worrying for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Strong winds can carry dust and debris, and when inhaled, these particles can irritate the respiratory tract, potentially causing inflammation or discomfort in the lungs, according to Dr. May-Lin Wilgus, a pulmonologist at UCLA Health who also leads the Adult Asthma Program at UCLA Health Thousand Oaks Hampshire Primary & Specialty Clinic.

Smoke impacts will naturally depend on fire activity and containment efforts. Smoke from the Eaton Fire has most heavily impacted the western San Gabriel Valley. PM2.5 levels — amounts of particle pollution — due to smoke are expected to reach the Unhealthy Air Quality Index category or higher in Altadena, Pasadena and surrounding areas, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which advises the use of N-95 masks or P-100 respirators to provide some protection while outdoors.

The disaster relief and medical assistance organization Direct Relief said Wednesday it was distributing N-95 masks and other resources to first responders and those in wildfire-affected communities across California.

Local hospitals remain open and ready to assist during the emergency. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center says while it is "continuing to evaluate the impact of this evolving situation," some of its outpatient offices in evacuation areas are closed. Affected patients at those locations have been contacted, according to the medical center. 

Adventist Health Glendale stressed that patients were not being evacuated due to the Eaton Fire, and those requiring emergency ventilator/oxygen support should come to the facility's emergency department. The hospital added that those who have been evacuated due to the wildfires and require oxygen support should go to the Pacific Community Center in Glendale. 

Meanwhile, the Coalition for Clean Air recommends that those not in an area currently affected by wildfires should prepare for potential wildfire events.

Health impacts of wildfires can include:

• Long-Term Exposure Risks: Prolonged exposure to poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke can have cumulative effects, including developmental impacts on children and worsening of chronic diseases;
• Respiratory Illnesses: Smoke from wildfires contains harmful fine particulate matter — PM2.5 — that can penetrate deep into the lungs, exacerbating asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory conditions;
• Cardiovascular Strain: Exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues, particularly for older adults and those with pre-existing conditions;
• Mental Health Effects: The trauma of evacuation, loss of homes, and disruption to daily life can lead to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder; and
• Displacement and Health Access: Evacuations often disrupt access to essential medications, medical care and support services, disproportionately affecting those in underserved communities.