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WELLNESS - Over the last weeks, the world watched on in horror as raging wildfires decimated large parts of LA. Thousands of people have lost their homes and entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, with a devastating effect on local communities and wildlife. Beyond the obvious threat of the flames lies an invisible, more sinister danger: asbestos exposure.
Asbestos products were extremely popular in construction up until the substance’s ban in California in 1977. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, around 73% of the buildings in southern California were built before 1980, meaning they’re likely laden with asbestos-containing materials. When burned, these materials release microscopic toxic fibers into the air.
Concerningly, many deputies in the area have already reported symptoms like headaches and coughs. Around a week after their shifts in Altadena, their air was described as “‘hazardous, containing lead, asbestos and other harmful particulates” by the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s hazmat team.
It’s worth noting that, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even very brief inhalation can lead to long-term and serious negative health effects. Some severe illnesses caused by exposure to airborne asbestos include:
- Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer directly linked to inhaling asbestos fibers.
- Lung cancer: Linked to long-term asbestos exposure, especially in industrial settings.
- Asbestosis: Scarring of the lungs which leads to breathing difficulties and chronic pain.
Not only does minimal exposure cause irreparable damage, but symptoms can take decades to appear. This means thousands of Californians could be at risk without realizing it. It’s also some of the most dedicated members of our community who are the most vulnerable.
Firefighters, volunteers, and workers involved in post-fire cleanup are likely to be some of the worst-affected groups. To protect yourself from asbestos, experts from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommend the following precautions:
- Wear a high-filtration mask (N95 or P100) to prevent inhalation of asbestos fibers
- Keep windows and doors closed to reduce indoor contamination
- Decontaminate your uniform or clothes before entering your home
- Use HEPA air purifiers to trap airborne particles
- Avoid disturbing debris and do not attempt to sweep or vacuum ash
If you are returning to a fire-damaged property, do so with extreme caution and consult asbestos abatement professionals before beginning the cleanup.
You may wonder what your legal options are if you’ve been exposed to asbestos. A California mesothelioma lawyer can help victims seek compensation if their exposure was due to negligence. This could include firefighters and first responders who were exposed while on duty, residents who were unknowingly exposed while returning to their homes, and workers handling debris without being provided with proper protective equipment.
The hidden asbestos crisis following California’s wildfires is a public health emergency. While the flames may be mostly extinguished, the dangers linger in the air, the ash, and the debris. Protect yourself by following safety recommendations, staying informed, seeking medical advice if you experience respiratory issues, and exploring legal options if you or a loved one were put at risk.
Photo by Daniel Lincoln on Unsplash
