California wildfires pose serious health risks(More in children & elderly)

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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N28316943.htm

LOS ANGELES, Oct 28 (Reuters) - The immense quantities of smoke, soot and ash being produced by the deadly wildfires raging across southern California are posing significant health risks, especially to children, the elderly and those with heart or lung disease, health officials said on Tuesday.

They warned residents to stay indoors as much as possible with their windows and doors shut, to use air conditioning and air filters whenever possible, to avoid strenuous activities and to wear special respiratory masks with filters when they have to be outdoors.

"We know that smoke from wildfires has the greatest impact on the most sensitive populations," said Los Angeles County Department of Health Officer Dr. Jonathan Fielding.

He said the excessive amounts of smoke pervading the region could trigger asthma attacks, aggravate the condition of those suffering from emphysema, put increased stress on people with cardiovascular disease and lead to increased infection in those suffering from lung disease.

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