Image: In November 2018, the Woolsey Fire destroyed parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, California, United States. Credited to Getty Images and Salameh Dibaei.

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Since Jan. 7, wildfires have burned 40,000 acres in the Greater Los Angeles area and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. At least 25 people have lost their lives. Authorities in Los Angeles County declared a local health emergency. Recommendations for residents include using air conditioners that recirculate air and wearing an N95 or P100 filtering facepiece respirator when outside in smoky conditions for long periods of time.

This week, AIHA’s chief science officer, Michele Twilley, DrPH, CIH, spoke with Michelle Rosales, MPH, CIH, about her experiences during the wildfires. Rosales is a resident of Southern California and a director of environmental health services with Forensic Analytical Consulting Services. She has contributed articles and presentations on indoor environmental quality concerns from wildfire smoke, among other topics, and is a primary author of AIHA’s Technical Guide for Wildfire Impact Assessments for the OEHS Professional. She was also previously featured in an AIHA video about the potential exposures to workers and community members in the aftermath of wildfires.

The following transcript of Twilley’s conversation with Rosales has been edited for length and clarity.

This post is available in the January 2025 issue of The Synergist.