The LA Fire HEALTH Study recently completed the 50-home environmental sampling campaign, one of the most – if not the most – extensive post-fire monitoring effort within homes ever. Over 1,000 samples were collected from these 50 homes (ash, soil, indoor dust, water, indoor air, outdoor air), and the samples are now at laboratories across the country. The samples are being evaluated to look for VOCs (e.g., benzene), particles (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10), PAHs, metals (e.g., lead), forever chemicals, nanomaterials, microplastics, and 1,000 additional chemicals, to help better understand the type of environmental exposures that may occur after fires for homes in and near the burn zone.
Participants in the home studies have received several reports on the findings (e.g., water and indoor air) and will be receiving additional reports in the coming weeks (looking at findings of PM2.5 and indoor VOC measurements, summarized water results, and indoor dust metal concentrations).
Several Data Briefs have already been released from findings related to these home samples, including last week’s report on Tap Water (view all Data Briefs). Observations from our scientists in the field have also contributed to creating guidance for the public on how to protect themselves and ventilate their homes.
Stay tuned for more updates from this important work!
3 responses to “Updates from the Field”
I live in Big Rock on a ridge. My house did not burn due to househardening and appropriate landscaping. However there is soot and ash in the house. I would like to purchase an indoor air quality monitor. Can you recommend brands and what they should be measuring? pm2.5, heavy metals, VOCs, PFAs, others?
Thank you
Hi Georgia- To check the safety of the indoor air in your home, you will want to look for an air quality monitor that measures fine particles (PM2.5, in addition to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Read a recent WIRED review of air quality monitors here: https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-indoor-air-quality-monitors/
I’m an apartment resident of Palisades. I have a friend who lives in a different apartment building with a different landlord. It appears that her landlord hired a professional remediation company to perform the work. My landlord hired a simple cleaning person. It appears that in my building that wiping the floors, walls and window and little more is what my landlord is considering to be safe enough for occupation.
I’m a senior with asthma and Chronic Kidney Disease. I don’t have the finance to live elsewhere. I feel that moving back will not be safe.
The City appears to have no oversight. They suggest that the county might.
Who has any oversight is my concern. Would you have any suggestions?