As wildfires continue to burn across Southern California, air quality alerts have been issued across parts of the region.
Widespread air quality levels across parts of Southern California are at moderate levels, or a level 2 of 6, as winds had diminished over the weekend and containment of the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst Fires increased.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued these alerts, which cover Los Angeles, Long Beach and Santa Clarita.
Should fires worsen with the expected increasing winds, air quality numbers could drop and also expand to more of Southern California as winds can carry smoke miles away from the fire itself.
Schools that are reopening on Monday will operate on an inclement weather schedule which limits outdoor activities and athletics, and masks will be available for students and employees, the district said.
Health risks of the California wildfires
-Health impacts: Particles from wildfire smoke pose several short- and long-term health risks, according to Dr. Anish Mahajan, chief medical officer of the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. People are already experiencing small particles infiltrating their nasal passages, causing itchy eyes and sore throats, Mahajan told CNN.
But the toxins from wildfire smoke can cause more serious problems — especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with respiratory, heart or immune system issues.
The best way to avoid those health risks is to stay indoors as much as possible, he added, but if people do go outside, they should wear an N-95 or P100 mask to filter out the particles.
CNN’s Emma Tucker contributed reporting.
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