LA County Prohibits Operations of Gas-Operated Leaf Blowers
Los Angeles County residents are urged to take precautions to safeguard their health during a Local Health Emergency declared by the L.A. County Public Health Department on January 13, 2025. The emergency is due to poor air quality caused by widespread wildfire smoke and the temporary ban on power air blowers, including leaf blowers, in the county.
Keep indoor air clean
To prevent smoke and ash from entering homes, residents should close windows and doors. Using air conditioners set to recirculate air can help filter out harmful particles.
Avoid stirring up ash outdoors
The ban on power air blowers is in place to prevent worsening air quality from airborne ash and toxic debris. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with heart, lung, or immune conditions.
Limit physical exertion outdoors
When outdoors, wearing N95 or P100 masks offers protection against fine particulate matter in the smoke. Residents are encouraged to reduce physical exertion outdoors and shorten time spent outside if air quality is poor. Indoor activities are preferred during heavy smoke events.
Avoid additional indoor air pollutants
Avoiding additional indoor air pollutants such as fireplaces, candles, or vacuuming can help maintain good indoor air quality.
Stay informed
Residents should monitor local air quality indexes (AQI) through County updates or South Coast AQMD, and follow official health advisories on when to take protective measures.
Pets and Smoke
Avoid leaving pets outdoors, particularly at night. Pets should be brought into an indoor location. If you see or smell smoke, or notice particles and ash in the air, stay indoors to limit exposure.
Reducing Heavy-Duty Vehicle Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a grant of $135.2 million for California applicants. The grant is intended to reduce heavy-duty vehicle pollution, which contributes to dangerous air quality. The grant is for the purchase of 455 zero-emission vehicles through the EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program.
For more information about wildfire smoke and animals, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association's website.
[1] L.A. County Public Health Department. (2025). Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke. Retrieved from https://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/healthemergencies/emergencypreparedness/wildfires/wildfire-smoke.html
[2] South Coast Air Quality Management District. (2025). Wildfire Smoke and Your Health. Retrieved from https://www.aqmd.gov/community/wildfires
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Wildfire Smoke and Your Health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/smoke.html
[4] California Air Resources Board. (2025). Wildfire Smoke and Your Health. Retrieved from https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/wildfire/smoke
[5] Los Angeles Times. (2025). L.A. County Declares Local Health Emergency Due to Wildfire Smoke. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-13/la-county-declares-local-health-emergency-due-to-wildfire-smoke
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