Wildfires worsen air quality crisis for LA’s unhoused population

Toxic smoke from wildfires in Los Angeles has forced mass evacuations, but unhoused residents remain exposed to dangerous air pollution with few resources to protect themselves.

Sam Levin and Maanvi Singh report for The Guardian.

In short:

Unhoused people in Los Angeles, numbering over 52,000, are facing severe health risks from smoke as wildfires rage and winds intensify.
Emergency shelters and vouchers have been made available, but advocates say resources are inadequate, and many unhoused individuals remain in evacuation zones.
Street medicine teams are distributing respirators and medical support, while mutual aid groups provide essentials like masks, food and sandbags for makeshift shelters.

Key quote:

“People have said it feels like you’re breathing in lead and you can see what you’re breathing in.”

— Carla Orendorff, advocate supporting the unhoused community

Why this matters:

Wildfire smoke can cause or worsen respiratory conditions, particularly for those without proper shelter or medical care. The crisis highlights the intersection of housing insecurity and climate-driven disasters, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support during emergencies.

www.theguardian.com

Wildfires worsen air quality crisis for LA’s unhoused population

Extreme heat costs poorest workers their health and wages

The state that's beating dirty electricity

Opinion: Why local action is key to surviving America's climate crisis

Virginia lays groundwork to combine more solar with farming

Georgia Power breaks ground on natural gas expansion at Plant Bowen despite air pollution concerns

Central Washington farmland eyed for energy and data center projects

Solar powers record share of Britain’s electricity mix in July

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.