The Fear After the Fire: How Toxic Is L.A.’s Air?

Now that the wildfires have been contained, a more insidious and enduring threat looms over Los Angeles, posed by the invisible, potentially lethal toxins the flames unleashed. Every breath, it is feared, could contain the particulate residue of lithium EV batteries, asbestos tiles, lead, benzene and other volatile compounds contained in paint, plastics, electronics and furniture. On frantic Zooms, iMessage chains and Nextdoor threads, residents are sharing recommendations for the best hospital-grade air purifiers, skin creams and hair products and scrambling for reliable information on how to mitigate the danger while avoiding the kind of alarmism that got us to pointlessly Clorox our groceries and copper-tape our door handles in the early days of COVID. “The particles can be so small that they can enter your brain,” reads one sample Westside group chat, sharing notes from an ad-hoc webinar.

“What we are very concerned about is the fine particle pollution that can bypass the body’s defense mechanisms and get deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to asthma attacks and triggering heart attacks and strokes,” says Will Barrett, senior director of nationwide advocacy for the American Lung Association. He recommends wearing N95 or P100 face masks outdoors but warns that they do not filter out all harmful particles. “They are not as effective against gases and asbestos,” he says. And it’s best to avoid surgical and cloth masks, as they don’t provide adequate protection. “Those who are living with existing heart conditions, respiratory issues and other medical ailments, including children, pregnant women and the elderly, could be at greater risk,” he adds.

This is the time to trust your nose and gut, says Poisoned author Alan Bell, a former prosecutor who now fights for environmental victims. “Everyone should be concerned, even outside L.A.,” he says, “because the winds blow the microscopic toxins for over 100 miles, and they settle on cars, homes, offices, schools, nursing homes, playgrounds, amusement parks, etc.” According to Bell, the Air Quality Index we get on smartphones does not account for many of the toxic chemicals released from burning structures. If you smell smoke or something just doesn’t feel right, he says, it’s best to remain indoors.

The advice is especially important for kids. “Children draw in more pollution than adults, so limit their exposure outdoors,” says Barrett. He also cautions residents against entering burned-out homes to survey damage or search for mementos without protective gear like hazmat suits: “The remediation must be handled appropriately by experts.”

Controlling air quality at home is crucial to maintaining a healthy environment. “Outdoor pollutants can enter our indoor spaces and react with indoor pollutants, creating a complex mixture of dirty air — at times, causing indoor air to be more polluted than the outdoor air,” says Shawn Navarednam, design engineer at Dyson. “Everyday indoor activities, such as cooking, using cleaning products and burning candles can also contribute and further worsen indoor air quality.” Dr. Sonal Patel and Dr. Jasmine Talei are proponents of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) purifiers. Among the most popular is Dyson’s recently introduced Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde, promising 32-foot projection with minimal noise compared to the competition. (Just remember to change the filter at least once a year.) Austin Air is another doctor-recommended brand.

 Reducing or replacing items in that off-gas is also important. “Try to switch to an organic mattress and bedding and rugs that are made from natural fibers.” Avocado Green Mattress is certified non-toxic and an industry favorite and Norvegr’s plush duvets and pillows are handmade with ethically sourced hypoallergenic down in Norway.

Adding plants can help; Talei suggests snake and peace lily varieties. “They oxygenate the home and help remove ammonia, formaldehyde and benzene,” she says.

The respiratory system is not the only way toxins in the air can enter our bodies. Talei also recommends installing shower filters. “Shower water can be filled with contaminants, especially after the fires, and may lead to hair loss and skin conditions,” she says. Canopy’s filtered showerheads are easy to install and help get rid of chlorine and other skin irritating pollutants.

Anxious Angelenos are wondering how to adapt their skin care regimen. “One of the most important things to do is prevent these particles from sticking to your skin and getting into your pores,” says Dr. Ava Shamban, founder of Althaea Skincare. “You really have to double down right now.” She advises starting with an antioxidant like vitamin C serum. Exponent Beauty’s is clinically tested and offers one of the most potent forms, with 10 percent L-Ascorbic Acid. Luxe Beauty’s Astaxanthin, found in microalgae, also helps fight free radicals known to damage skin. Follow with a skin-barrier product like G.M. Collin’s Nutritive Cream or Shani Darden’s Hydration Peptide Cream to help prevent penetration of damaging substances. And slather on the SPF. “Don’t forget the neglected parts – hair line, ears, neck, back of the hands, and decolletage,” adds Shamban. Many derms recommend Revision Skincare’s Intellishade. If you’re experiencing puffy eyes, La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Eye Lift helps firm and soothe. 

“It’s really important to clean your face, including men, as they tend to not wash their faces at night,” adds Shamban. Le Mieux’s Peptide Foam Cleanser and Valmont’s Bubble Falls are designed for all skin types and thoroughly purify facial skin without stripping it. AKT’s The Body Wash Concentrate and Credo’s Serenity Body Wash are gentle and formulated with clean scents and high-quality ingredients for a deep full-body cleaning. And don’t forget the scalp. “Hair is a dead cuticle, and particles can easily stick to it and then you lie down in bed and get that all over your pillows and sheets,” says Shamban. For even better protection, she says, consider upping your headwear game. “Channel Liz Taylor and get some turbans and hats.”

Diet + Supplements

Boosting your immunity through what you feed your body is always necessary to help prevent illness and particularly after the wildfires. Many doctors recommend glutathione to their patients for its ability to break down free radicals and detoxify the body. Dr. Mark Ghalili, an internal medicine specialist and founder of Regen Labs, is a proponent of Dr. Nayan Patel’s Glutaryl Glutathione spray: “It’s a great product that absorbs transdermally and helps improve health because its reducing oxidative stress.” Ghalili is also a fan of Mullein Leaf extract, a natural herbal remedy, to help relieve headaches and sinus allergies and Xlear, a natural, xylitol based nasal decongestant. Dr. Sonal Patel, a Pasadena-based allergist whose patients are dealing with an increase in allergies and asthma since the fires, recommends sinus rinsing with a neti pot.

Nancee Jaffe, MS RDN at UCLA advises eating a plant-forward diet and foods rich in vitamin C (bell peppers, citrus, strawberries), vitamin D (salmon, dairy products), vitamin E (nuts, mango, spinach), omega-3 (walnuts, flaxseeds), and Zinc (beef, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas) to help fight inflammation. “Focus on the plants — vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, whole grains — while using animal products — eggs, dairy, lean poultry, seafood — in smaller portions; this approach is evidence based for optimizing the immune system.” Jaffe also suggests being mindful of the gut. “Over 70% of the immune system is in your gut microbiome so add in fermented, polyphenol- and prebiotic-rich foods like Kimchi, berries, Saint Supply olive oil [Jaffe is the brand’s lead dietician], barley, garlic, and onion.”  

Given that water supplies may be compromised, avoid the tap and stick with bottled water. And Dr. Jasmine Talei, a naturopathic doctor in Beverly Hills, recommends NAC supplements for respiratory health and Milk Thistle. “It’s one of my favorite herbs to support the liver which is the main organ of detoxification.” She also suggests eating raw cilantro. “It a wonderful binder and helps rid toxins from the body.”

Pets

Leading experts share further details on protecting your health, your well being and how to keep your pets safe. Dogs and cats can experience many of the same symptoms as humans, such as respiratory issues, irritated eyes and dry, itchy skin and can benefit from some of the same safeguards human employ, including running air purifiers. Gersh agent Dave Alexander moved out of state when Buster, his Brindle mix developed pneumonia from toxic air inhalation due to the fires. ““Pets have similar risks for respiratory disease that humans do, and heavy smoke and poor air quality can cause coughing and difficulty breathing,” says Dr. Kolleen Nellett, a veterinarian at The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks. “Pets that are spending significant amounts of time outside in areas with heavy smoke should be bathed or at least wiped down [including their paws] with a damp towel after coming back inside both for their own well-being and the well-being of any humans who may be coming in close contact with them, such as sleeping with them or even cuddling on the couch,” adds Dr. Nellett. “If the smoke is that heavy it is best to avoid being outside for long periods of time if possible.” If a pet is experiencing respiratory distress, Nellett urges owners to visit a veterinary ER as quickly as possible. And according to herbalists at The Petstaurant, the industry-frequented holistic pet store, some customers are using homeopathy and supplements to manage toxins and boost the immune system of their pets.

A version of this story appeared in the Feb. 5 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.