Hidden Hazards After the Fire

01/15/2025 - 2pm, Pasadena by Robert Eberl

Dear L.A. Relief Network Community,

In the wake of the devastating fire that has ravaged much of Altadena and parts of Pasadena, our community faces not only the physical destruction of homes and property but also serious, often hidden, health risks. The aftermath of such fires involves more than just the destruction of buildings; it brings with it the potential exposure to hazardous materials that can linger in the air and the environment.

What are the Hidden Hazards?
Many homes in our neighborhoods, especially those built before 1940, contain hazardous materials that are harmful to human health—particularly when burned and released into the air. These materials, which were once commonly used in construction, can become airborne particles following a fire, creating significant health risks to those in the area.

1. Lead-Based Paint
Houses built before 1940, especially older homes, often used lead-based paint. When exposed to extreme heat from a fire, lead-based paint can break down and release toxic lead particles into the air. Inhalation of these particles can cause severe health problems, particularly for children and pregnant women, leading to lead poisoning, developmental issues, and other serious conditions.

2. Asbestos
Another dangerous material commonly found in older homes is asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in building materials before its health risks became well known. It can be found in roofing materials, wall insulation, flooring, and pipes. When asbestos-containing materials burn, the fibers can be released into the air. Breathing in asbestos particles can cause lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

3. Formaldehyde and Other Toxic Chemicals
Older homes may also contain products treated with formaldehyde, such as insulation, particleboard, and pressed wood products. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and long-term exposure can lead to respiratory problems and cancer. It can also be present in various household items, such as furniture, carpets, and cleaning agents, all of which may have burned during the fire.

4. Chemicals in Homes and Sheds
Many people store household chemicals, paints, solvents, pesticides, cleaning agents, and even fuel in their homes and sheds. When these substances burn, they can release dangerous fumes and toxic chemicals into the air, such as:

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) – Found in paints, adhesives, and solvents
Mercury – Often found in older thermometers, fluorescent lights, and batteries
Chlorine and Hydrogen Cyanide – Found in certain plastics, paints, and other materials
Pesticides and Herbicides – Stored in sheds and garages
Fuel and Oil – Including gasoline, diesel, and motor oil
These chemicals can contaminate the air, water, and soil, posing long-term risks to human health and the environment.

5. Synthetic Materials and Plastics
Modern homes often contain synthetic materials like plastics, foam insulation, synthetic fabrics, and rubber. When these materials burn, they release a range of toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and dioxins, all of which can be harmful when inhaled.

How to Stay Safe?
Even though local government reports may indicate that air quality is “good,” the standard Air Quality Index (AQI) typically measures only common pollutants like PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and ozone. It does not account for toxic substances like lead, asbestos, and the many chemicals released during fires. For this reason, we urge everyone in affected areas to take extra precautions to protect their health.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself:
Avoid Going Into Burned Areas
Do not enter any burned or partially burned structures without proper protection. Even if a house appears to be intact, the air may still contain toxic particles. If you must go into a burned area, wear a N95 respirator mask or better, which can filter out harmful particulates. Avoid touching surfaces with bare skin.

Stay Indoors When Possible
If you're in an area near the fire, it’s best to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to help reduce airborne particles inside your home. If you have a central HVAC system, ensure it has a high-efficiency filter that can trap small particles.

Wash Your Hands and Clothes
If you’ve been in areas affected by the fire, wash your hands thoroughly and change your clothes as soon as you can to remove any soot or toxins that might have settled on your skin or clothing. Avoid tracking these materials into your home.

Air Quality Monitoring
Keep track of your local air quality using more detailed environmental air monitoring services that measure particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other potentially hazardous chemicals not typically covered by AQI.

Dispose of Contaminated Materials Safely
If your home or property has been affected, be cautious when cleaning up debris. Items that are contaminated with asbestos, lead paint, or other hazardous materials should be disposed of safely, following local environmental and health regulations.

Seek Medical Attention if Needed
If you or your family members are experiencing symptoms like dizziness, difficulty breathing, or irritation of the eyes or throat, seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of exposure to harmful chemicals or particulate matter.

Conclusion: A Community Effort
The fires may have passed, but their effects on our health can linger if we’re not careful. As a community, we need to stay vigilant and look out for one another. Share this information with your neighbors, especially those who may not be aware of the dangers. If you’re in need of assistance with cleanup, protective gear, or resources, please reach out to the L.A. Relief Network—we’re here to support you.

Important Reminder: The Air Quality Index (AQI), which is currently being reported in the news, does not provide accurate information about the real risks in the air. While the AQI measures common pollutants like PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and ozone, it does not account for hazardous substances such as lead, asbestos, toxic chemicals, or particles released from burned household items. As a result, the air quality reports you're seeing may be giving a false sense of security, as they are leaving out many of the dangerous toxins still present in the environment. Even if the AQI reports indicate that the air is “safe” or “good,” it’s important to remain cautious and take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Together, we can recover safely and rebuild stronger.

Stay safe,

The L.A. Relief Network Team