In the News
BBC News: PHI’s Anne Kelsey Lamb Speaks on the LA County Fires and the Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke
Anne Kelsey Lamb, director of PHI’s Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP) Program was featured as an expert during a national news interview with BBC News, where she discusses the impacts that wildfire smoke from the Los Angeles fires can have on our health and shares recommendations on how to protect our health.
- BBC News
“A recent study shows that in California inhaling wildfire smoke has led to over 50,000 deaths during an 11-year period.
“Wildfire smoke is really unsafe for everyone.” — Anne Kelsey Lamb, Director of the Regional Asthma Management and Prevention Program (RAMP) at the Public Health Institute
PM2.5 is a particulate matter that comes from wildfire smoke. PM2.5 can cause and exacerbate diseases of the lungs, heart, and other parts of the body. This particulate matter from wildfires can stay in the atmosphere for months afterwards.
Who are the people most affected?
“There are two other very large groups of people that we’re concerned about and that is children and older adults. Children’s lungs are still developing and exposure to pollution like wildfire smoke can actually impair lung growth.” — Anne Kelsey Lamb
When wildfires burn through homes, toxic air pollutants like lead can be found in the smoke.
“When lead is in the air, some of it does eventually settle to the ground where it is deposited in soil, water and on plants and other surfaces.” — Anne Kelsey Lamb
Lead poisoning can damage the brain and nervous system.
As parts of California begins to be cleaned up and restored some residents are returning to their communities.”
When there is wildfire smoke, we recommend whenever possible for people to stay inside with doors and windows closed. If someone must be outside we strongly recommend wearing an N95 mask.Anne Kelsey Lamb
Director, Regional Asthma Management and Prevention Program (RAMP), Public Health Institute
Originally published by BBC News
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