| Fires raging throughout Los Angeles have already killed five people. The city's air quality will also become a threat, as it now ranks among the worst of any city in the world, according to IQAir. Wildfire smoke is hazardous in part because it contains tiny, inhalable particles called PM2.5. The same type of air pollution is emitted when cars burn gasoline or power plants burn coal for fuel, but it's particularly acute during wildfires. People with health conditions like asthma and heart disease are at elevated risk, but even otherwise healthy people may experience symptoms like coughing, sneezing and eye irritation when exposed to particulate matter. Health experts recommend that everyone limit outdoor activities of any kind when air quality is seriously bad and steer clear of strenuous exercise like running until things improve. The US Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index, a real-time measure of pollution levels, can be used to make decisions about what is and isn't safe to do. The index shows that LA's air had an AQI of 185 as of 10 a.m. Thursday, which means vulnerable people should avoid going outside for long periods. While the toxins in cigarettes and wildfire smoke aren't exactly the same, comparing them is the best analogy researchers have to communicate the harmful effects of poor air quality, experts say. An AQI of about 20 is equivalent to smoking one cigarette per day, according to researchers from Stanford University. Communities exposed to wildfire smoke causing an AQI of 150 for several days is equivalent to about seven cigarettes a day, the researchers said, though that's only if you're outside the entire time. Still, being indoors doesn't provide 100% protection due to leakage. For those looking for an added layer of protection, high-efficiency particulate air filters, or HEPA filters, can help. For residents returning to their homes after the fire has passed through, the city's Public Health department recommends wearing a disposable mask with a rating of N-95 or better, along with gloves, long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid skin contact with the ash. On top of this, Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works, said water, power and sewer systems have all been "significantly damaged," and ash and debris falling into reservoirs has affected water quality. So residents near fire zones should boil water before drinking it. Please stay safe. — Madison Muller with David R. Baker Get Bloomberg's Weather Watch newsletter to track the market, business and economic impacts of extreme weather from Bloomberg's team of dedicated reporters. | 
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