Is LA’s Air Safe? Harvard Experts Weigh In on Wildfire Smoke & Health

The recent Los Angeles wildfires, including those in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, have left many of us with big questions about air quality, safety, and health impacts—especially for pregnant people, children, and those with respiratory conditions. As a native Palisadian, this issue is personal to me. My family evacuated, and like so many others, we're trying to navigate life after the fires.  

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lindsey Burghardt (Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard) and Joe Allen (Director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard) to get expert insights on: 

- What’s actually in wildfire smoke and why urban fires are different 
- How air quality affects adults, children, and newborns 
- The long-term health risks of smoke exposure 
- Best practices to protect yourself and your family 
- We also discuss practical tips for monitoring air quality, reducing exposure, and making informed decisions about outdoor activities as cleanup efforts continue.  

Protecting your health and home from wildfire smoke is essential—especially in the aftermath of Los Angeles wildfires. Here are expert-recommended resources to help you stay informed and take action: 

Reducing Wildfire Smoke Exposure at Home 
 

Air Quality & Filtration Tools 
 

Health & Development Impacts of Wildfire Smoke 
 

Children & Wildfire Smoke: Expert Guidelines 
 

Stay Updated & Monitor Air Quality 
 
Follow the Center on the Developing Child:  

Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!