FSR helping provide free N95 masks during California wildfire cleanup
Partners seeking to reduce risk of inflammatory diseases like sarcoidosis
The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is partnering with Walgreens and Cedars-Sinai to provide free N95 face masks at two locations in Los Angeles, with the goal of helping members of the community protect their lungs following January’s wildfires.
Exposure to fine particulate matter from soot and ash in wildfire smoke can have damaging effects — even during cleanup and after the fires are out — the nonprofit noted in a foundation press release.
The free N95 masks will be available at Foothill Unity Center in Pasadena and Monrovia.
“Prolonged exposure to smoke and particulate matter can have long-term health implications, including an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis,” said Mary McGowan, CEO of FSR.
Fine particulate matter exposure can not only worsen any current lung conditions among residents and volunteers, but also increase the risk of inflammatory diseases such as pulmonary, cardiac, and ocular sarcoidosis. The most commonly studied air pollutant, it’s made up of tiny inhalable particles like smoke, aerosols, soot, mold spores, and dander, that can travel deep into the respiratory tract.
Nonprofit partnering with Walgreens, Cedars-Sinai on free N95 masks
In sarcoidosis, an overactive immune system causes granulomas — clumps of inflammatory cells — to form in one or more organs of the body. Because granulomas often accumulate in the lungs, most patients experience cough and shortness of breath. However, symptoms affecting the eyes and heart are also common.
The exact reason why the immune system becomes overactive in sarcoidosis is unclear. However, toxic exposure to smoke and fine particulate matter may play a role, as supported by an increase in sarcoidosis diagnoses among 9/11 first responders, especially those involved in cleanup efforts at Ground Zero.
Smoke can stay in the air for days after a wildfire ends, leaving soot and ash behind. People are advised to remain indoors as much as possible, stay updated on local air quality, and wear protective masks when venturing outdoors — not only during wildfires but also during cleanup.
N95 masks can effectively filter out fine particulate matter in the air. To help protect residents in the Los Angeles area from exposure to fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke, Walgreens and Cedars-Sinai, a member of the FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance, have together donated 2,000 such masks.
We are incredibly grateful to Walgreens and Cedars-Sinai for their support and generous contributions, which will help our efforts to protect the health of wildfire-affected residents. … We would also like to express our gratitude to Foothill Unity for distributing these masks for free as we work together to protect the community’s lung health.
“Walgreens is proud to have donated 1,000 masks to FSR and to work with FSR to secure a community partner for mask distribution to those impacted by the fires to ensure their ongoing safety to prevent future lung health concerns,” said Donovan Tran, Walgreens’ healthcare supervisor of pharmacy and retail operations.
The N95 masks are available to the public at no cost from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays at Foothill Unity on 790 W. Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia, and from 9 to 11:30 a.m on Thursdays and Fridays at the center at 191 N. Oak Ave. in Pasadena.
On behalf of the FSR, McGowan offered thanks to the nonprofit’s partners in this initiative.
“We are incredibly grateful to Walgreens and Cedars-Sinai for their support and generous contributions, which will help our efforts to protect the health of wildfire-affected residents,” McGowan said. “We would also like to express our gratitude to Foothill Unity for distributing these masks for free as we work together to protect the community’s lung health.”
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