In this data brief, LA Fire HEALTH Study researchers highlight preliminary data of air quality inside and outside of homes in and near the burn areas, including concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM).

Key Takeaways:

• Indoor air quality can be lower inside homes that are located in the burn zone, especially in homes that suffered damage, even many weeks after the fire.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been measured inside damaged homes at a level 4-5x higher than outdoors, and VOC and particle levels can spike due to activity in the home (such as cleaning, disturbing ash and dust, turning on HVAC systems, etc.).
• We recommend continued precautions when in the burn area and especially inside any impacted homes.