In the wake of the Palisades, Eaton, and other fires that have ravaged areas across Los Angeles, it’s critical to understand the long-term impacts on air quality and safety. These wildfires leave destruction in their wake, but the invisible threats they create—airborne toxins, contaminated water, and hazardous debris—are just as concerning as the visible damage.

While we’re not necessarily air quality and environmental safety experts here at Letter Four, we’re architects, contractors, and interior designers. Regardless of area of expertise, we all care about our staff, clients, and loved ones. We want to make sure that everyone stays safe and we know that the Air Quality Index (AQI) that you might pull up on your iPhone doesn’t tell the whole story.

This blog will cover the key takeaways for protecting your health and safety in the months ahead, lessons learned from similar disasters, and actionable steps to mitigate exposure to harmful pollutants. Health and safety should always be our priority, and understanding the risks and precautions will empower us to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

We can rebuild our homes and businesses, but we can’t reverse the long-term effects of the toxins we’re currently being exposed to. So please be careful out there, Angelenos!

The Invisible Threat: Carcinogens in the Air

One of the most alarming consequences of wildfires is the release of harmful carcinogens into the air. Unlike smoke or ash, these airborne toxins are often invisible and odorless, making them particularly insidious.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures particulate matter that is 2.5 Micrometers or more in size. Particles smaller than PM2.5, often referred to as ultrafine particles (UFPs), pose significant health risks because they can penetrate deeply into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. These particles are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular issues, as well as systemic inflammation, which can contribute to conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and stroke. For more detailed information on the health effects of fine and ultrafine particles, visit the World Health Organization's page on air quality.

What’s in the Air?

Precautions:

  • Wear N95 Masks: These masks filter out fine particles, offering better protection than cloth or surgical masks. Read guidance from the CDC on mask selection and use.
  • Avoid Outdoor Activities: Refrain from exercising or spending extended time outside when air quality is poor.
  • Monitor Air Quality: Use apps like AirNow or PurpleAir to stay informed about local conditions.
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Lessons from the Lahaina Fires: Recovery, Air Toxicity, and Managing Particulate Matter

The fires in Lahaina, Maui, in 2023 were a devastating reminder of how quickly wildfires can engulf communities, leaving long-lasting environmental and health consequences. As Los Angeles grapples with similar challenges after the Palisades and Eaton fires, examining Lahaina’s recovery efforts can provide valuable insights into managing air toxicity, particulate matter, and long-term restoration.

Air Toxicity and Health Risks

Lahaina’s fires burned through residential areas, vehicles, and infrastructure, releasing a toxic cocktail of chemicals into the air. The combustion of modern materials, including lithium-ion batteries, electronics, and plastics, created airborne pollutants like hydrogen fluoride, benzene, and heavy metals. These substances posed significant respiratory and cardiovascular risks to residents and first responders. Recovery efforts in Lahaina highlighted the importance of immediate public health measures, including the distribution of N95 masks and the establishment of air quality monitoring stations. Similarly, Los Angeles can prioritize setting up real-time air quality tracking and public awareness campaigns to mitigate exposure during and after fires.

Managing Particulate Matter

The dense smoke from Lahaina’s fires contained high levels of PM2.5, fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs. Recovery teams worked to educate residents about the dangers of particulate matter, urging them to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers indoors, and seal their homes to reduce exposure. Maui’s experience underscores the importance of distributing HEPA air purifiers to affected communities and establishing clean air shelters for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions. Los Angeles can replicate these measures to protect residents during periods of hazardous air quality.

Recovery and Environmental Restoration

Post-fire recovery in Lahaina emphasized addressing contaminated debris and soil. Structures built before 1980 were particularly concerning due to asbestos, lead-based paint, and other hazardous materials. Recovery teams in Lahaina worked with environmental consultants to safely remove and dispose of toxic debris. Soil testing and remediation were also key, as heavy metals and fire retardants had leached into the ground, posing risks to agriculture and water supplies. Los Angeles can benefit from adopting similar protocols, including widespread soil testing, topsoil replacement, and water quality monitoring.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries are a Specific Concern:

Find more information on the environmental impact of urban fires here.

Fire Retardants: A Double-Edged Sword

While fire retardants dropped from planes are instrumental in containing wildfires, they carry their own set of risks. Many retardants contain metals like aluminum and iron, which can be toxic when inhaled or ingested.

Environmental Impacts:

  • Soil and Water Contamination: These chemicals seep into the ground, impacting agriculture and water supplies.
  • Toxic Aerosols: When the retardants dry and are disturbed, they can release harmful particles back into the air. Learn about fire retardants and their environmental effects from the U.S. Forest Service.
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Health Risks from Burned Structures

Materials in the buildings we live and work in become toxic when burned. This applies especially to buildings constructed before 1957. These older structures often contain:

  • Lead-Based Paint: Highly toxic, especially for children and pregnant women.
  • Asbestos Insulation: Fibers from asbestos materials are hazardous when inhaled, causing chronic lung conditions.
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Found in older electrical equipment, PCBs are known carcinogens.
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Safety Tips When Returning to Fire-Damaged Areas:

  1. Wear Protective Gear: Use masks, gloves, goggles, and full-body clothing to minimize contact with debris.
  2. Wash Immediately: After visiting a fire-damaged site, wash all clothing and shower to remove potential contaminants.
  3. Hire Environmental Consultants: Before resettling or rebuilding, have professionals test for hazardous materials. Coalition for Clean Air provides resources for safe rebuilding.
  4. Avoid Disturbing Ash: The ash may contain toxic residues; avoid sweeping or vacuuming without HEPA filters.
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Ensuring Water Safety After Wildfires

Wildfires can contaminate water supplies with chemicals, heavy metals, and ash, making it unsafe for consumption or everyday use. It’s crucial to verify the safety of your water and know your options if it’s not safe. Here’s what you can do:

  • Check for Boil Water Advisories: Stay informed by checking updates from your local water authority or the EPA’s water advisory resources.
  • Test Your Water: Use home water testing kits or contact certified laboratories to test for contaminants like lead, asbestos, or volatile organic compounds. The CDC provides a guide on water testing.
  • Install Filters: If contamination is detected, consider using NSF-certified water filters designed to remove specific pollutants. NSF International’s database helps you find certified products.
  • Access Safe Water: Locate bottled water distribution centers or community filtration stations through local government websites or services like Water.org.
  • Flush Pipes: If advised, flush your home’s plumbing system to remove residual contaminants. Follow these steps from the CDC for proper flushing procedures.

For ongoing updates and assistance, contact your local water utility or refer to the EPA's drinking water hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

The Role of Landscaping in Airborne Toxins

One overlooked source of airborne particles is the use of leaf blowers by landscapers. These devices kick up ash and toxic debris, further contaminating the air.

What Can You Do?

  • Request that gardeners and landscapers refrain from using leaf blowers.
  • Opt for manual cleanup methods that minimize disturbance of the ground.
  • Communicate with neighbors and community associations about this concern.
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Indoor Air Quality: Protecting Your Home

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As outdoor air becomes increasingly toxic, it’s essential to take steps to safeguard the air inside your home.

Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality:

  1. Upgrade HVAC Filters: Use high-efficiency filters designed to trap fine particles and replace them regularly.
  2. Invest in Air Purifiers: Devices like IQAir or other HEPA-certified purifiers can significantly reduce indoor pollutants. Find EPA tips on improving indoor air quality here.
  3. Limit Contamination:some text
    • Take off shoes before entering your home.
    • Keep windows and doors closed when air quality is poor.
    • Regularly clean surfaces to remove settled dust and ash.
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Long-Term Environmental and Health Concerns

The aftermath of these fires will have long-lasting implications for both the environment and public health. Toxic debris, contaminated water supplies, and degraded soil require coordinated efforts for cleanup and rehabilitation.

Soil and Water Safety:

  • Fire-damaged areas often have high levels of toxic chemicals in the soil, necessitating the removal of the top layers before replanting.
  • Water sources may also be contaminated with fire retardants, heavy metals, and other pollutants.
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Debris Removal Challenges:

Removing toxic debris is a complex process that involves:

  • Specialized equipment to safely handle hazardous materials.
  • Stringent disposal protocols to prevent further contamination.
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Legal and Advocacy Considerations

As the city begins cleanup efforts, residents should consider hiring attorneys or environmental consultants to ensure their safety and advocate for proper remediation.

Why Consider Legal Support?

  • Outside agencies may downplay risks, urging residents to return prematurely.
  • Independent evaluations can provide an unbiased assessment of air quality and environmental safety.
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How to Stay Informed:

  • Attend community meetings and stay updated on cleanup plans.
  • Collaborate with local advocacy groups like Coalition for Clean Air to push for transparency and accountability.
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Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Health and Safety

Recovering from the Palisades, Eaton, and other fires is a long-term process that requires vigilance and proactive measures. While the visible damage may be overwhelming, it’s the invisible threats—airborne carcinogens, contaminated water, and hazardous debris—that pose the greatest risk to our health and safety.

By taking the necessary precautions, advocating for comprehensive cleanup efforts, and staying informed, we can protect ourselves and our communities in the months ahead. Let’s prioritize our health, support one another, and work toward a safer, more resilient future.

At Letter Four, we’re here to help in any way we can, whether that be as a source of researched and reliable information, as your Design-Build partner in re-building, or anywhere in between. If you’d like more information or to talk about your rebuild, check out our fire rebuild page. 

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