With authorities now allowing residents to return to fire evacuation zones to check on the remains of their homes, health experts say it’s safer to wait a while before jumping into burn areas.
But if you plan to see for yourself what has become of your home, there are some precautions you can take to protect your health.
Los Angeles County officials announced this week that up to 11,000 people could return to their homes.
But authorities remain concerned about residents coming into contact with hazardous materials left behind by the unprecedented fires.
Earlier this week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order aimed at accelerating recovery, emphasizing the importance of removing hazardous waste from burn scars to ensure safe recovery. did.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of fire debris from fire-damaged and burned properties in the critical fire area, which includes the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Creek, Hearst and Lydia areas. issued. A fire cannot occur until a hazardous materials inspection is completed by an authorized government agency.
Federal and state environmental officials are preparing to survey the fire-ravaged land.
California Environmental Protection Agency Commissioner Yana Garcia said, “We understand that people are anxious to get back on their properties.” “However, we cannot stress enough how important it is that trained personnel wear protective equipment and remove hazardous waste.”
Hazards in this area could include “substances that are highly volatile and can become toxic when exposed to heat or fire, such as batteries, ammunition, propane tanks, pesticides, and household cleaners.” Garcia said there is.
Among those who lost their homes in the Palisades fire was Dr. Ashraf M. Elsaygh, a pulmonologist at Providence St. John’s Health Center, who left his home to assess the damage. I haven’t gone back and I’m not in a hurry. .
At a news conference Thursday at the hospital, Elsaig said the family will eventually want to return home to see if anything can be salvaged.
“I’m going to wait as long as possible and if I do go, I’m going to take all the proper precautions,” Elsayg said.
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Doctors warned against returning to the fire area due to the presence of harmful chemicals in the ash covering damaged and remaining homes.
Researchers still don’t fully understand how harmful ash from urban fires is to neighborhoods or the impact it has on surrounding communities.
What experts do know is that urban fires are more toxic than wildfires because of the chemicals released from burned homes, items inside homes, and cars.
One reason for the lack of available data is that there is “nothing to compare it to.” [because the Los Angeles-area fires are] “It’s a combination of wildfires and urban fires that poses different risks than wildfires alone.”
Elsaygh described the Los Angeles-area fires as “the largest urban fire in modern U.S. history.”
The only urban fire event that Elsaig can somewhat compare to was the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center in New York, which he was also present at.
In the months after the 9/11 attacks, first responders and residents were exposed to dangerous amounts of asbestos, silica dust, heavy metals, and other dangerous chemicals left behind by the massive amounts of ash, dust, and debris created when the towers collapsed. exposed to the mixture. .
“If we have learned anything, [from Sept. 11, it is that] “Maybe I went back too soon,” he said.
Experts don’t have an exact timeline for when people should return to fire areas. Their main advice is to listen to local authorities.
“It’s easier said than done because everyone wants to rebuild at some point,” Elsayg said.
Experts warn that if you are allowed to return to an area you have evacuated, you should wear protective equipment.
“The ash survives for about two years in a given area, so it’s going to be around for a while,” Elsayg said.
Ash contains volatile organic compounds such as benzene, silica, asbestos, lead, hydrogen cyanide, and hydrogen fluoride. Most of these compounds are carcinogens.
These compounds come from burning old houses, cars, furniture, and even cleaning supplies inside the home.
For example, if you return to a burn area to survey damage or dig through rubble in search of heirlooms, you expose yourself to harmful chemicals.
These toxins can affect the heart, blood flow and even the gastrointestinal tract, Elsayg said.
“We have seen asthma exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia and lung infections occur after large wildfires,” he said. .
Long-term health effects can include lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and silicosis.
“About 20% to 25% of the population,” Elsayg said, pointing again to the World Trade Center, ” [9/11 plume of smoke and ash] They still require treatment for their lungs. ”
How to protect yourself when appraising a home
Elsaig recommends getting a tetanus shot before entering the burn area.
These areas have a lot of metal and may contain rusty nails, increasing the risk of a tetanus infection if you get a cut.
You can make an appointment for a tetanus vaccination at the following locations:
A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years. If you don’t already have a booster, Elsayegh recommends getting one.
Protective equipment worn when visiting a burn site should include:
It’s an N95 mask. Cloth masks, surgical masks, and bandanas trap too much air and cannot filter out small particles. Protective glasses such as goggles, not glasses. Work gloves. Long sleeve shirt and pants. Sturdy shoes with thick soles.
After completing your visit to the burn area and returning to temporary accommodation, remove all clothing and protective equipment outside before entering the residence to reduce exposure to others indoors.
The ash contains potential asbestos compounds that can get on your clothes and skin if you are exposed to them.
If any part of your skin is exposed to ash during your visit, use baby wipes to wipe it off and shower immediately, Elsayg said.
My house was saved. How can I clean it?
Experts recommend that if you have ash collected outside your home, you should not sweep it or use a leaf blower, as the ash can become airborne.
Instead, mist the ashes with water, collect them in a trash bag, and throw them in the trash.
Do not use a garden hose to soak the ashes, as this will only create a toxic sludge.
When I returned to my home, which was not damaged by the fire, I found grains of ash still inside.
Do not sweep, dust, or regularly vacuum to remove ash particles. Instead, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove any small particles left in your home, Pasadena city officials advise.
They advised that commercial cleaning may be required for carpet, upholstery, and window treatments.
Who should not participate in clean-up activities?
Children, pregnant women, people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart disease, and diabetes should avoid fire damage and ash cleaning.
Symptoms to look out for and where to get help
Experts say people visiting burn areas or volunteering in affected areas should be on the lookout for symptoms of exposure, such as upper respiratory tract infections, asthma exacerbations, shortness of breath, and allergic-type reactions. It is said that
If you do not feel well, please contact your doctor for further consultation.
You can also call the new Disaster Relief Respiratory Clinic at Providence St. John’s Health Center at (310) 829-8618.
Associate Features Editor Marques Harper contributed to this report.
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