Protecting Californians from the Dangers of Wildfire Smoke

With high temperatures and drought conditions, we are seeing the effects of climate change. Last year, California experienced its largest fire season in modern history, with over 8,100 fires burning almost 4.5 million acres of land. These records will continue to be eclipsed until something is done to change them.

Breathe SoCal is doing our part. Besides backing legislation to help prevent forest fires or mitigate their destruction to property and the economy, Breathe SoCal is sponsoring AB 619 state legislation to help protect Californians from the harmful health effects of wildfire smoke.

Because wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, buildings, and all the plastics and treated construction materials from those buildings, wildfire smoke is up to ten times more harmful to humans than pollution from other sources such as car exhaust. Most people are not aware that inhaling wildfire smoke can be so dangerous, and most local jurisdictions are not prepared to address it.

The bill, authored by freshman Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, requires the state to establish recommendations and guidelines to protect Californians from wildfire smoke. Counties must then use these recommendations to protect their residents when a wildfire causes a major smoke event that makes it dangerous to breathe.

With your support, AB 619 will help us reduce the harms caused by wildfire smoke and pass other important legislation to protect public health and our environment.

Here’s how you can help:

1. CONTACT your state senator to show your support for AB 619.

Email Your State Senator

2. JOIN our AB 619 Giving Challenge by making a recurring gift of just $6.19 per month. Even this little bit will make a big difference in our advocacy efforts.

Make a Gift to Breathe SoCal

Thank you for your continued support. Without you, Breathe SoCal would not be the strong force we are today.

In Health,

Marc Carrel

President & CEO