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!