| LAC DPH Health Advisory:
Environmental Exposures & Odor Concerns
July 9, 2026
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This message is intended for all healthcare providers in Los Angeles County.
Please distribute as appropriate.
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Los Angeles County experiences diverse environmental exposure events, including wildfires, industrial fires, oil spills, and fireworks which can release particulate matter (PM) and odors that affect health. The type and severity of effects depend on the substance, level of exposure (how much), duration (how long), and frequency (how often).
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Health effects from environmental exposures range from short term irritation and stress symptoms to worsening of chronic cardiopulmonary disease in susceptible people, especially with repeated or prolonged exposure.
- Odor perception alone does not confirm hazardous exposure or exposure at a level to cause health effects; evaluate based on symptoms, exposure history, and air quality data.
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Healthcare providers should ask about recent environmental exposures, counsel patients on ways to reduce exposure when appropriate, and ensure chronic disease management plans are up to date during and after exposure events.
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LAC DPH has issued several particle pollution advisories recently due to events including the warehouse fire in Boyle Heights and fireworks.
Short-term exposure to elevated particulate matter and odor from environmental events can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; respiratory discomfort; worsening of asthma and COPD symptoms; and increased risk of cardiovascular events in susceptible individuals. Many symptoms improve as air quality improves and exposure decreases. However, some people may experience health effects that require medical attention.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to particulate matter is associated with increased risk of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
Patients most vulnerable to particle pollution include:
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- Older adults (≥65 years)
- Children
- Pregnant people
- Outdoor workers
- People with chronic disease, especially cardiopulmonary disease (asthma, COPD, heart failure, ischemic heart disease) and diabetes
- Socioeconomically disadvantaged communities
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Why Patients May Present with Odor Complaints
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Odors are often the first way patients notice potential environmental exposures. Odor complaints may occur in or near a variety of settings, including during and after fires, refineries, landfills, industrial operations, and other sources. However, the perception of an odor alone does not confirm that a hazardous substance is present or that an exposure occurred at a level likely to cause adverse health effects.
Odors may be associated with direct symptoms such as eye, nose, or throat irritation; headaches; respiratory discomfort; nausea; as well as indirect stress-mediated symptoms (anxiety, appetite loss, sleep disturbance, among others). These symptoms may reflect multiple contributing factors, including sensory irritation, individual sensitivity, underlying health conditions, environmental conditions, or concerns about possible exposure.
Clinical evaluation should focus on the patient’s symptoms, timing and duration of complaints, potential exposure circumstances, relevant medical history, and functional impact. Additional assessment or consultation may be appropriate when symptoms are persistent, severe, worsening, interfere with daily activities, or when the exposure history suggests a potential environmental or occupational concern.
Odor perception alone does not determine the presence, magnitude, or health significance of an environmental exposure. Odor complaints should be evaluated in the context of the patient’s symptoms, exposure history, and relevant environmental information.
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Actions Requested of Providers
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Ask patients about potential environmental exposures. Incorporate air quality and exposure history into clinical encounters. Ask about proximity to fires or industrial sources, industrial incidents, occupational exposures, housing conditions, ability to reduce exposure, and whether symptoms correlate with environmental events or odors.
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Assess for symptoms that may require prompt medical attention.
- Counsel patients on reducing exposure:
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Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) in their area and reduce outdoor activity when AQI is elevated. To stay updated with real-time/forecasted air quality, patients can download the South Coast AQMD Mobile App: http://www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp (also available in Spanish) or visit https://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/air-quality-forecasts.
- When AQI levels are elevated, follow AQI-specific guidance and reduce outdoor activity, stay indoors when possible, keep windows and doors closed when appropriate; and use HEPA air purifiers or HVAC systems with MERV-13 or higher filters, if available and compatible, to improve indoor air quality.
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Use N95 respirators when outdoor exposure is unavoidable (proper fit is essential; surgical masks offer minimal protection against fine particles).
- Set vehicle air conditioning to recirculate mode.
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Optimize chronic disease management. Ensure patients with asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular disease have updated action plans, adequate medication supplies (including rescue inhalers), and understand when to seek care.
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Screen for symptoms. Have a low threshold for evaluating respiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health complaints during and after potential exposure events. Ask about eye, nose, or throat irritation, headaches, cough, chest tightness, anxiety, and sleep disturbance.
- Identify and proactively reach out to high-risk patients in your panel during active air quality advisories.
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Report odor or air quality concerns. Patients and clinicians can contact South Coast AQMD to report concerns.
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- Air Quality Index (AQI): Provides real-time air quality assessments and potential health risk levels based on pollution.
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Air Quality Advisories and Alerts: Sign up for Air Alerts. Notifies residents of significant air quality concerns, including odor events like smog or industrial releases.
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Additional Resources for General Public
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This communication was sent by Dr. Muntu Davis, Health Officer, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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To view this LAHAN in PDF format, view past communications, or sign-up to receive LAHANs, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/lahan.
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