New map tracks real-time air quality in Pacific Palisades after the fires

Health remains a top concern for those living near the burn scars of the Los Angeles wildfires that erupted in January. Now, a new map allows residents to check air quality in the Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities in real-time.

The online dashboard put out by the Community Action Project tracks 20 air quality monitors from Topanga Canyon to Santa Monica. The sensors identify the concentration of particulates in the air and rate the surrounding air quality accordingly. They identify PM2.5 — microscopic particles that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream — and PM10, slightly larger particulates that can also cause irritation and health issues.

The air quality project was led by a team at UCLA. The lead researcher, UCLA professor Yifang Zhu, said the air quality sensors differ from most weather apps because they monitor for the larger PM10 particles. She said that tracking this type of air pollution will be important throughout the rebuilding process, since construction could kick up coarse dust and contaminants.

They also provide more localized and regularly updated air quality — every 5 to 10 minutes.

As of Monday afternoon, most sensors were reporting good to moderate air quality. One in the Palisades marked unhealthy levels of PM10 particles for a time, and then turned back to green.

Residents can use the maps to track local air quality during clean-up and construction. If the sensors indicate the air is unhealthy, Zhu suggested avoiding the area or closing windows. She also recommended wearing a fitted N-95 mask.

Zhu said she hoped the dashboard could help residents make informed decisions and combat fears about their health.

"Information is always helpful," Zhu told LAist. "I think oftentimes the anxiety comes from not knowing what's going on, but now the data dashboard provides that information."

People can sign up for email alerts for individual air sensors here.