October 28, 2003

Sources: Riverside Press Enterprise and the American Lung Association and Riverside County Health Department

• Paper masks will not prevent microscopic particles from entering the lungs. These tiny particles will bypass the mucus membranes and enter the lungs and cause inflammation, so stay indoors if possible. Paper masks will only prevent larger particles from entering airways.
• If you must work outside go indoors periodically to give your lungs and air passages a break.
• If possible, put air conditioning unit on recirculate mode to help it work more efficiently and to keep your indoor air clean.
• Check air-conditioning filters to see if they need changing, especially if your home is located in an area where the smoke is extremely dense.
• Don't do any strenuous exercising outdoors; use common sense. Your body will alert you with symptoms such as coughing and watering eyes.