Calculating air pollution from wildfires and other events has become more complicated. That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily more accurate.

The LA wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres – but on some weather maps, air quality still looks good. What’s going on?

Air quality in wildfire-stricken Los Angeles improved on Thursday from hazardous peaks hit earlier this month, as tiny soot particles that can penetrate the lungs and brain dropped to moderate levels,

Wear a tight-fitting N95 mask at the bare minimum, but a P100 is better, experts say. Wear long sleeves, eye protection, closed-toed shoes and cut-resistant gloves. Clean or decontaminate anything that’s been in contact with ash.

Already known for having some of the worst air quality in the U.S., people in Southern California are now also at risk of inhaling smoke.

During the wildfires, several communities throughout LA County experienced poor air quality. Chris Chavez, deputy policy director for the Coalition for Clean Air, says many people are now breathing toxic air.

KCRW and R&S Kayne Foundation Los Angeles held a public information panel and Q&A session regarding immediate and long-term health considerations from the fires. Watch in English or Spanish.