The recent Los Angeles wildfires, including those in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, have left many of us with big questions about air quality, safety, and health impacts—especially for pregnant people, children, and those with respiratory conditions. As a native Palisadian, this issue is personal to me. My family evacuated, and like so many others, we're trying to navigate life after the fires.  

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lindsey Burghardt (Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard) and Joe Allen (Director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard) to get expert insights on: 

- What’s actually in wildfire smoke and why urban fires are different 

- How air quality affects adults, children, and newborns 

- The long-term health risks of smoke exposure 

- Best practices to protect yourself and your family 

- We also discuss practical tips for monitoring air quality, reducing exposure, and making informed decisions about outdoor activities as cleanup efforts continue.  

Protecting your health and home from wildfire smoke is essential—especially in the aftermath of Los Angeles wildfires. Here are expert-recommended resources to help you stay informed and take action: 

Reducing Wildfire Smoke Exposure at Home 

 

3 Ways to Minimize Risk Indoors: https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/3ways-reduce-risk-wildfire-smoke-home/ 

How Close is Too Close? Distance & Precautions After a Fire: https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/wildfire-distance-precautions-protect/ 

Air Quality & Filtration Tools 

 

Find the Right Air Purifier for Your Home: https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/tools/air-cleaner-calculator/ 

How to Choose an Air Quality Monitor for Your Space: https://hbr.org/2023/11/its-time-for-companies-to-monitor-workplace-air-quality 

HEPA Vacuum Recommendations for Post-Fire Cleanup: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/do-you-need-a-vacuum-with-a-hepa-filter/ 

Health & Development Impacts of Wildfire Smoke 

 

How Wildfire Smoke Affects Early Childhood Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/briefs/wildfire-smoke-early-childhood-development/ 

The Health Impacts of Wildfires: FAQs & Science-Backed Answers: https://hsph.harvard.edu/environmental-health/news/health-impacts-of-wildfires-frequently-asked-questions/ 

36 Expert-Approved Tips for a Healthier Home: https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/research/homes/36-expert-tips-for-a-healthier-home/ 

Healthy Buildings & Air Safety: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674278363 

Children & Wildfire Smoke: Expert Guidelines 

 

CDC: How to Protect Kids Before, During & After a Wildfire: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/risk-factors/wildfire-smoke-and-children.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/children.htm 

AAP: Wildfire Safety Tips for Parents: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Wildfires-Information-for-Parents.aspx 

Stay Updated & Monitor Air Quality 

 

Follow the Center on the Developing Child:  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HarvardCenter 

Check Real-Time Air Quality in Your Area: Visit https://www2.purpleair.com/?srsltid=AfmBOootARbKiqOQCank9wrmaayiHbPF61HyylLEegWqaPZOHZmtmKpf 

Expert Recommendations for Air Filtration: Use a MERV 13 air filter (https://amzn.to/4jRHg2R) in HVAC systems and HEPA filters (https://amzn.to/3WTk1eU) in portable air purifiers & vacuums. 

Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!