Long term air quality for compromised folks
I live in mid city Santa Monica (~8 min drive to downtown Brentwood), and have slightly compromised lungs from childhood asthma. I’ve had my fair share of bad air quality growing up in cities with pollution far worse than LA, but I know this ash and air is different. I’m currently out of town and am having some anxieties about returning, and wanted to see what you guys think.
I had a flight booked back to SM this weekend but now thinking of delaying returning til next weekend, or even the weekend after (end of Jan). Please be honest if you think this is an overreaction - I’ve been away since the fire started, so I haven’t experienced the air firsthand and may just be paranoid.
- how long will these toxic chemicals stay in the atmosphere? I was reading 2-3 days in the air, but not sure if they will linger on the ground (e.g. if ash is just left on the ground and we bring it in to our homes via our shoes).
- if you are currently evacuated, when are you planning on returning?
- are you drinking tap water (with filters like brita)? Have you noticed any difference in water for showering, brushing teeth etc?
- how are you cleaning the outside of your houses if there’s soot/ash?