Aftermath of Wildfires Continue to Endanger Californians

Distraught Californians returning home after last week's fires to scrummage for remaining items are exposing themselves to serious health risks, experts say.

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“Just think of all the hazardous materials in your house,” she said in an interview. “Your chemicals, your pesticides, propane, gasoline, plastic and paint — it all burns down into the ash. It concentrates in the ash, and it’s toxic,” Dr. Relucio, Napa County’s chief public health officer, told the New York Times.

Relucio has declared a state of public emergency due to the hazardous wastes left behind from the fire. At least two other counties have followed suit after what is considered the state’s deadliest series of wildfires consumed at least 214,000 acres (334 square miles), killing at least 41 people and forcing around 100,000 people to evacuate their homes.

With hundreds of neighborhoods covered in fine white ash and as the scent of smoke hangs in the air, health officials are taking stock of the situation. The weather variations will most certainly handicap clean up efforts, as wind will only cause ash particles to enter the air, while rain will push them into natural water sources.

The remains of one home could potentially contain any number of combinations of harmful chemicals, said Dr. Geoffrey S. Plumlee, associate director for environmental health with the United States Geological Survey.

For instance, a building’s foundation is oftentimes constructed from treated wood, used to prevent bacteria growth. It can contain copper, chromium and arsenic. While electronics will almost certainly contain lead, mercury and cadmium. Homeowners of structures built before 1977 may have contained asbestos in their tiles or shingles. Even galvanized nails are considered a serious risk and potentially harmful.

According to health professionals, children are most at risk in the aftermath of California’s 16 major fires.

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“Children are especially vulnerable to environmental hazards. They eat more food, drink more liquids and breathe more air than adults on a pound for pound basis,” wrote Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units, PEHSU, specialists James Seltzer, Mark Miller and Diane Seltzer.

“Children are in a critical period of development when toxic exposures can have profound negative effects, and their exploratory behavior often places them in direct contact with materials that adults would avoid."

The PEHSU recommends survivors use protective masks when cleaning up areas and to be especially vigilant with personal hygiene if in contact with potentially hazardous substances.