Key Takeaways:
– The mix of chemicals released when human-made materials burn in wildfires is different and potentially more toxic than vegetation fires.
– Emanating from damaged homes, smoke and ash can carry deadly chemicals, some of which are identified as carcinogens.
– Cleaning measures, protective gear, and proper ventilation can help reduce potential health risks.
When wildfires wreak havoc on our towns and cities, they consume everything in their path, including vehicles, houses, and their contents. This includes electronics, paint, plastics furniture, and other everyday items. The result? A dense and harmful mix of chemicals is emitted, differing significantly from the smoke produced by vegetation fires.
Scientists say such chemical cocktails are potentially more harmful. The dangerous compounds they contain can invade neighboring houses, being carried by the invasive smoke and ash. Despite escaping the direct fire, these homes find toxins absorbed into their walls, furniture, and other surfaces where they continue to emanate toxic gases for weeks, even months.
An In-depth Case: The Marshall Fire Experience
Last year, the Marshall Fire roared through locations near Boulder, Colorado, burning many houses to the ground. Even those homes that were saved from destruction were not free from the fallout of the fire. Residents noticed the persistent odors of ash and the residue of the fire’s impact inside their homes.
Out of results from quick examinations conducted in the aftermath, disturbing findings were discovered: raised levels of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found in the ash, alongside volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in airborne samples. These compounds—dioxins, benzene, formaldehyde, and PAHs—are known to have harmful effects on human health. Benzene, for instance, is a recognized carcinogen.
Furthermore, there was a lack of readily available data about the potential health impact on individuals returning to homes damaged by wildfire smoke. So, commencing an investigation, surveys were conducted with residents, tracing their health status over a duration of two years post-fire.
The results were disquieting. Six months following the fire, a significant number of respondents reported symptoms consistent with exposure to smoke and ash from fires. Over half (55%) were experiencing at least one symptom attributed to the aftermath of the Marshall Fire. Common reports included itchy or watery eyes, headache, dry cough, sneezing, and sore throat.
The Lingering Impact and Unanswered Questions
One of the concerning findings was that a significant number of respondents still reported symptoms linked to the fire’s impact, even a year down the line. Many residents indicated that their homes had a peculiar smell when they returned a week after the fire. Following thorough home clean-ups, some reported improvement in the lingering odors. However, associated health symptoms persisted for many.
Another interesting pattern emerged from the surveys: the closer a person lived to a high number of burned structures, the more severe their symptoms were. This suggests that neighborhoods with extensive damage pose even higher risks for the health of their populations.
Staying Safe Post-Wildfire
With wildfires becoming more frequent and more devastating, it’s essential to know steps for protection if your home survives the conflagration. Here’s how you can protect your health:
– Equip yourself with at least an N95 mask, goggles, gloves and clothes covering your skin when preparing to clean your home.
– People with heart or lung diseases, older adults, pregnant women, children and pets should be kept away from the cleanup activities.
– Thorough cleaning of all surfaces in your home can drastically reduce VOCs. Open your windows once it’s safe to let clean air in.
– Consider the use of gentle cleaners to avoid a reaction with chemicals in the ash.
– Purify your HVAC filter and air ducts, changing filters monthly until the smell disappears. Consider using portable air cleaners with carbon filters to weed out VOCs and other particles.
By taking these precautionary measures, you can minimize potential health risks and ensure a safer living environment in the aftermath of a wildfire.