LAX Leader

The impact of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles on children and families has raised significant concerns among parents and healthcare professionals. Experts from the University of Southern California (USC) are addressing various aspects related to safeguarding children's health during this crisis.

Julie Cederbaum, an associate professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, emphasized that "children will have varied responses to a devastating event like the recent wildfires." She noted that some children might experience immediate fear, while others could face long-lasting impacts even if their homes were not directly affected. Cederbaum advised allowing space for children to process their thoughts and feelings.

Emily Smith-Greenaway, a professor at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, highlighted how social inequalities exacerbate recovery challenges for displaced families. "When families with children experience disaster-induced community loss and displacement they are not only in need of a place to sleep at night," she said, emphasizing the importance of resources in navigating natural disasters.

Darby Saxbe, a professor at USC Dornsife specializing in stress and coping within families, discussed trauma's lasting effects. She explained that after traumatic events like wildfires, both kids and adults may be sensitive to danger cues or reminders. Saxbe pointed out that even vicarious trauma can affect individuals' sense of safety.

Schools play a crucial role in providing stability during such times. Vivien Villaverde from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work stressed the importance of schools as safe spaces where children feel connected. Villaverde is involved in training school staff to support students returning after the wildfires.

Respiratory health is another major concern due to poor air quality from wildfire smoke. Veronica Vasquez-Montez from USC Arcadia Hospital reported an increase in asthma-related issues among children. Carl Chudnofsky recommended using N95 or KN95 masks when air quality is poor. Michelle Chu advised creating clean air rooms and consulting healthcare providers for asthma management.

Additional insights come from Gale Sinatra at USC Rossier School of Education, who focuses on climate change education. Sinatra can discuss how local events like LA's wildfires relate to broader environmental issues.

For further information or expert commentary on these topics, contact details for each expert are provided by USC Media Relations.