Is the Air Quality Index reliable after wildfires in L.A.?
LOS ANGELES — Despite Air Quality Index readings showing “healthy” or “moderate” levels across Los Angeles County, experts warn these measurements do not fully capture health risks from recent urban fires and high winds. Air quality specialists and public health officials say the Air Quality Index, or AQI, fails to measure specific toxic particles released by burning structures, even when air appears clear to residents. “The AQI is not reliable for this situation,” said Anthony Wexler, director of the Air Quality Research Center at the University of California-Davis. “And you can’t see it. So, looking around and saying, ‘Oh, it
January 24, 2025