Health

LA County bans cleanup and removal of fire debris until after official inspections

The debris could contain harmful substances, which can have short- and long-term health consequences.

A man in a jacket that reads "Sheriff" and a beige dog walk through the gray rubble of a burned down beachfront property. There's a stark contrast between the gray rubble and the blue ocean that is up against the destruction.

Want to know how to stay healthy during wildfire conditions? Join this online event

Public health and air quality experts will weigh in on risks.

A close up of a stack of yellow and white N95 masks with a valve on them. You can see the NIOSH label and approval number clearly printed on the product.

What parents should know about wildfire air quality, ash, and protecting kids

Wildfire smoke causes particularly dangerous air quality, especially for sensitive groups including children and pregnant people.

A woman with a ponytail and a hat on holds a young boy in her arms. They're outside on a parking lot surface. In the background are piles and piles of clothing.

Does a ‘good’ Air Quality Index rating mean it’s safe to be outdoors?

The Air Quality Index measures particles in the air, but not how toxic they are, experts say.

A hazy, smoky, gray sky filled with palm trees.

Is smoke in your home? Here's how to make an air purifier from a box fan

A large area of greater Los Angeles had unhealthy air Friday, due to particulate matter from large wildfires. Here are tips for breathing cleaner air indoors if it's smoky outside.

These devastating fires are taking a toll on our mental health. Here’s how to know when to seek help

Mental health resources for kids and adults tailored to this fire disaster.

A man and a woman hold hands while wearing masks and walking down a street surrounded by burn damage and fires.

How to talk to children about wildfires, evacuations and losing a home

Experts say parents should validate feelings and create avenues for kids to express themselves.

A fire fighter silhouetted by burning flames in the background stands in the driveway between two houses and hoses down the property. On both left and right ends of the frame two firefighters can be seen looking.

Ultramarathon running and prison reentry: How one man rebuilt his life, 100 miles at a time

After 15 years in and out of prison, Cesar Quijano discovered ultrarunning. His determination to complete a 100-mile mountain race kept him on track with his addiction recovery and reentry journey. It also almost broke him.

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After 15 years in and out of prison, Cesar Quijano discovered ultrarunning. His determination to complete a 100-mile mountain race kept him on track with his addiction recovery and reentry journey. It also almost broke him.

A group of people stand at a finish line with their arms around each other and up in the air. They are smiling.

Night owl or early bird? Here's how your inner clock impacts your health

In order to better understand her circadian rhythm, science journalist Lynne Peeples lived in a bunker for 10 days with no exposure to sunlight or clocks.