PASADENA, CA – The ongoing Southern California wildfires, one of the deadliest and most destructive natural disasters in modern memory, have destroyed over 60 square miles of land and thousands of structures so far, tearing lives asunder for those who have survived in their wake.
But while the annihilation of homes and businesses are the obvious malady to the countless people who have been displaced by the fires, a more insidious – but potentially equally harmful – hazard awaits those who return to piece their lives back together: toxic levels of smoke, ash, and chemicals that have seeped into the land and remaining structures, posing serious health risks to all who come into contact with them.
It’s easy to believe that the danger is over once the fires have been extinguished, but that, sadly, is far from the truth; indeed, many of the vehicles and buildings that have burned have resulted in the release of toxic chemicals and smoke that are, in turn, absorbed by floors, furniture and other indoor surfaces that will continue to emit these substances into the breathable air around them for months to come.
In addition, wildfires also create an exorbitant amount of fine particle pollution – tiny particles or droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter – that can contribute to increased risk of heart and lung disease, while exacerbating pre-existing conditions. This form of pollution was already at unacceptable levels the Los Angeles area – having been one of the most polluted cities in the country in this regard for years – and the fires have served to only increase the scope of the issue exponentially.
American Lung Association National Senior Director for Policy, Katherine Pruitt, said that the pollution left behind by the wildfires are an unseen threat that need to be addressed by knowledgeable and experienced hazmat cleanup professionals.
There’s a lot that has potentially happened to affect poor air quality in your home, even if you haven’t suffered any physical damage to the home itself,” she said. “The fumes and the ash, the particles that are going to be in your indoor environment, are not safe to breathe. You especially don’t want to come into contact with the ash in your lungs, eyes or skin.”
During cleanup efforts, California residents are urged to say safe by utilizing HVAC systems and making sure to check the filters every few days and changing them if they appear dirty; portable air cleaners can also help as well. Avoid frying or broiling food to lessen additional fine particle pollution, and do not smoke or vape indoors.
In addition, do not burn candles or incense to cover up lingering smells, and only use soap and water for cleaning, as opposed to aerosols or chemical cleaners that may interact with toxins in the residual ash. When cleaning, wear protective gear such as goggles, gloves, and a N95 or a P100 respirator, and do not use traditional vacuums or brooms, which could push dangerous particles into the air.
