Risks of Asbestos Exposure due to Los Angeles Wildfires

Risks of Asbestos Exposure due to Los Angeles Wildfires

Thousands of people are under mandatory evacuation as wildfires rampage the Los Angeles area of Southern California. Other people are making the decision to leave their homes and businesses as the fires spread rapidly. A state of emergency was declared for the area. As the flames consume homes, businesses, schools, and industrial buildings, asbestos from these buildings can be released into the air. Winds carrying the flames can carry asbestos throughout the area. Dry conditions and strong winds are making the flames spread faster. Some wind gusts are going as fast as 100 miles per hour. It is unknown just how much asbestos contamination there is in the area. The poor air quality is bad for everyone but is especially bad for those suffering from conditions like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Around 34,460 structures, or 73 percent of structures in the area, were built before 1980 when buildings were commonly built with asbestos. The fires have burnt hundreds of homes and businesses. One place that was severely burned was the Palisades Charter High School, a popular filming location. Palisades Charter High School was built in 1961, when asbestos use was common. Asbestos products in schools can include tile floors, ceilings, and other construction materials. Chalkboards and laboratory hoods sometimes contained asbestos as well. When asbestos containing materials burn, fibers are sent into the air. Air containing soot, ash, smoke, and asbestos fibers can be carried for miles due to strong winds.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause inflammation and scarring of tissue. The irritation can then lead to the change of DNA, leading to cancer. Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma, but it can also cause lung cancer, ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, and asbestosis. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. If you were exposed, contact your doctor and let him or her know that you were exposed to asbestos. This way, if you start to experience symptoms, you can catch the cancer earlier, making it easier to treat. It is also recommended that people with heavy or prolonged exposure have regular screenings.

The best way to stay safe is to get to safety if a wildfire is actively burning in your area. Know your evacuation routes and evacuate if told to do so. It is also important to wear protective equipment to ensure you are not inhaling asbestos fibers. The United States experiences an average of 67,000 wildfires yearly, burning seven million acres of land annually. Even if you are a safe distance from the flames, smoke can carry asbestos fibers to you. Wear an N-100 or P-100 respirator to help prevent inhaling airborne asbestos fibers during a wildfire. A portable air cleaner or air purifier may also help with air pollution indoors.

After the fire, you can encounter asbestos fibers when walking through and cleaning up debris. Taking the appropriate precautions can help mitigate the dangers of asbestos exposure.

When cleaning up after a wildfire, it is best to:

  • Clean up soot and ash with a HEPA vacuum
  • Don’t move damaged construction materials unless it’s necessary.
  • Double bag all debris.
  • Seal all materials with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
  • Wear personal protective equipment.
  • Wet down any material that may contain asbestos before handling them.
  • Wet wipe or vacuum any non-movable objects with a HEPA filter to prevent asbestos from becoming airborne.

It is also best to hire an asbestos abatement company to remove large amounts of asbestos-containing materials after a wildfire. Professionals can test for asbestos and safely remove asbestos-containing materials and can dispose of the materials properly.

In 2023, a fire at a World War II era wooden hangar scattered asbestos containing debris around 3 miles form the hangar. In November, a U.S. Navy Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin, California caught fire, flare ups continued despite the flames being extinguished the same day. Dangerous chemicals were released due to the fire. Some people had testing done to confirm that asbestos was in the debris. Some Hawaii residents also had to take precautions from asbestos while cleaning up from the 2023 wildfire. The fires sent toxic debris into the air and sea. Many of the burned structures were built before 1980, leaving toxic debris behind. The fires killed at least 102 people. The fires also caused an air emergency. Residents were warned not to breathe in the air due to the air being contaminated with asbestos.

Were you exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer? Call 412-471-3980 or fill out our contact form to see if you could be entitled to compensation.

Sources:
Corina Knoll, Soumya Karlamangla and Mike Ives, “Blaze Breaks Out in Hollywood Hills, as L.A. Wildfires Kill at Least 5” The New York Times (January 8, 2025). [Link]
Taylor Ardrey, “California high school featured in popular films damaged in Palisades Fire: reports” USA Today (January 8, 2025). [Link]
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