Residents near the Boyle Heights cold storage facility, which has been ablaze since Wednesday, are advised to prepare for continued smoke exposure, with advisories extended through Sunday afternoon. The smoke plume has affected areas miles away, prompting health recommendations for the public.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has issued a Particle Pollution Advisory, now in effect until 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Forecasters anticipate a shift in wind direction on Sunday morning, potentially carrying smoke towards Southeast Los Angeles County. If the fire continues to generate substantial smoke, it is expected to impact Central and East Los Angeles throughout Sunday afternoon.
In response to the ongoing air quality concerns, the Los Angeles County Department of Health has provided guidance for residents experiencing smoke exposure. These recommendations aim to mitigate potential health effects associated with inhaling smoke from the industrial fire.
Michael Kleinman, a toxicologist and professor at UC Irvine’s Wen School of Population and Public Health, emphasized that the extent of smoke impact is highly dependent on wind speed and direction. He advised residents to be aware of symptoms such as eye irritation, stinging, watering, or nasal discomfort, which may indicate a more serious exposure level.
A significant concern is the potential biohazard posed by millions of pounds of spoiled food stored at the facility. Kleinman noted that the decomposition of this material will inevitably produce noxious odors and bacterial growth. Should these materials ignite, they could introduce biological contaminants into the smoke plumes, creating an environment with largely untested health implications.
