If you’re still coughing, wheezing or waking up to soot on your windowsills, you’re not alone — and no, you’re not imagining the lingering effects. The 2025 wildfires across Los Angeles County have triggered more than just temporary smoky skies. The impact is far from over, and asthma flare-ups pose long-term health risks. Here’s what you need to know.

1. The Ash Hasn’t Cleared

Wildfire ash didn’t disappear when the fires stopped burning. It’s still sitting on rooftops, streets, playgrounds and plants. The winds can stir it back into the air, causing contamination. That means even if the air quality index (AQI) reads as safe, you could still inhale particles that don’t appear on basic atmospheric monitors. 

Experts recommend reducing wildfire ash exposure with N95 masks. It’s wise to mask up outdoors and keep windows shut on windy days.

2. Allergy Symptoms Could Linger for Months

Even if you don’t have asthma, you might be sneezing more, waking up congested or feeling like you’ve got a never-ending cold. That’s likely your body reacting to the air’s ash and fine particulate matter. These microscopic pollutants can inflame your airways and mimic seasonal allergies — only they’re a lot harder to escape when they’re coating your whole neighborhood.

Frequent vacuuming can eliminate microparticles that settle on your rugs and floors. Install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and run air purifiers at home. Wipe down your shoes and pets when coming in from outside to reduce tracking contaminants inside. Apply for sponsored HEPA filtration units if you live in Assembly Bill (AB) 617 Communities.

3. People With Asthma Are Facing a Brutal Season

Kids and adults with asthma are hardest hit as smoke triggers respiratory flare-ups that worsen symptoms like shortness of breath and chest tightness. In areas like Chinatown, Compton and Long Beach — already overburdened by industrial pollution — the smoke and ash have compounded the problem. Disadvantaged communities suffer more due to socio-economic challenges.

If you or your child has asthma, keeping  a rescue inhaler close is smart. Double-check your air filters and avoid outdoor exercise until cleanup efforts are well underway. Remember that children have a faster respiratory rate than adults. This means they experience higher exposure to airborne particles than you do, so it’s vital that they wear masks while outside.

4. Lung Infections Are a Growing Concern

Chronic respiratory diseases and cardiovascular risks are some of the long-term challenges of exposure to wildfire smoke. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the mix of materials from burning homes — plastics, foams, tires — can produce even more toxic particles than a typical forest fire.

Fresh smoke from burning debris is a concern. Research indicates that “aged” smoke could be more harmful to lung tissues. That’s alarming news for anyone with preexisting conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or compromised immunity. If you experience chestiness, shortness of breath or a lingering cough, it’s worth getting checked out — even weeks after the fire.

5. Coming Rains Might Help but Could Hurt

Rain will help clear the air but may also wash ash and toxic debris into storm drains, soil and local water supplies. After wildfires, fire-hardened ground doesn’t absorb water as much, causing an increased risk of runoff and flooding. These can introduce chemicals and sweep up ash, polluting waterways. It’s unclear how much contamination we’ll see this time. 

Early NASA post-fire assessments show a wide footprint of fire damage, especially in burn zones near residential areas. Ash and soot may pollute local water sources, which can cause a significant risk to those who rely on municipal water. 

Until more cleanup happens, don’t let kids play in puddles or mud in affected zones. Stick to bottled water if you live near a burn zone and have concerns about local tap safety.

6. This Isn’t Just a One-Off Disaster — It’s a Pattern

Expect more wildfires in Southern California as climate change fuels hotter, drier conditions that challenge air quality. LA’s dense population makes even short-lived smoke events incredibly dangerous. Think of this as less of a one-time cleanup and more of a recurring health challenge, like flu or allergy season.

Your best defense is preparation. Do the following, especially during fire season:

•  Upgrade your HVAC filters
• Create a clean-air room in your home
• Keep masks and supportive medications on hand

Staying Safe in the Haze

While you wait for clear and clean skies, cleanups continue, and staying vigilant is your best move. Check the AQI regularly, advocate for your neighborhood’s access to cleanup resources and stay informed. Even if the skies look clear, the wide reach of wildfire pollution may still affect your daily life and lungs.