Protecting Your Health in a Wildfire

For rental housing units that were impacted but not burned by the recent wildfires, how can concerns of smoke damage and debris related to the fire be addressed with my landlord?

Generally, a property owner is responsible for ensuring that rental housing units meet health and safety standards. Landlords must remediate hazardous ash debris from rental units to maintain rental units that are safe and habitable, free of hazardous materials. The presence of noticeable smoke damage, including ash, or fire-related debris in and around a rental housing property presents a health and safety risk to residents. For wildfire ash, smoke damage, and debris in or around your rental housing unit, the property owner must take steps to safely remove these hazards. You may request that your landlord remove the fire-related debris, or you may follow the guidance provided by Public Health for Safe Cleaning. For additional information see the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs -After the Disaster Information for Landlords and Tenantsand the California Department of Justice's Know Your Rights as a California Tenant.

Is it safe to return home after a fire, and how should items like clothing and bedding be cleaned?

Residents should familiarize themselves with DPH flier "How to Clean Up Smoke and Soot from a Fire Health Fact Sheet".

What hazardous materials or contaminants might be present in fire debris after a home or building has been damaged or destroyed, and how can they impact health?

After a fire, the debris from damaged homes and buildings can contain many harmful substances. These may include asbestos from old building materials, toxic metals like lead, dangerous chemicals from household products, and harmful particles created by the fire itself. Because of these hazards, it's important to be cautious around fire debris and leave cleanup to professionals who can safely handle and dispose of these materials.

Can residents request testing for asbestos, lead, or other contaminants on their property?

The Department of Public Health does not provide testing. However, people can hire certified professionals to conduct testing for and cleanup of asbestos, lead, and other contaminants. These experts can offer services and guidance on the safe removal, handling, and disposal any hazardous materials detected.

• Environmental Consultants: These specialists can conduct environmental assessments and are trained to identify hazardous materials. They are often certified by recognized trade organizations.
• Industrial Hygienists: Certified industrial hygienists (CIH) specialize in identifying and controlling environmental hazards in both workplace and residential settings. They can assess for contaminants and recommend and conduct cleanup activities.
• Asbestos Inspectors: They are specifically trained and certified to inspect for conduct asbestos and must follow local and federal regulations, such as those established by the EPA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Lead Risk Assessors: Certified lead risk assessors evaluate properties for lead hazards, particularly in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paints were banned in the U.S. They typically have specialized training and certification.

If you plan to file an insurance claim, please note that some insurance companies may have a list of and hire certified professionals to assess your property as part of the claims process. Their assessment will identify affected areas and recommend actions for addressing any hazards.

What should I do if I'm worried about asbestos in popcorn ceilings during cleaning?

1. Understand that asbestos is a serious issue, and it's good that you're being cautious
2. Popcorn ceilings installed before the 1980s may contain asbestos. If your ceiling was installed after that, the chances of asbestos being present are much lower.
3. Avoid disturbing the ceiling or cleaning it without first assessing whether it contains asbestos. Disturbing materials with asbestos can release harmful fibers into the air.
4. Hire a qualified professional to inspect the ceiling for asbestos if installed before the 1980's. They can assess the risks and recommend the safest course of action.
5. If cleaning is necessary, consider specialized cleaning services that can safely remove soot from the ceiling without disturbing any potentially hazardous materials.

How can people ensure their home is safe after a fire, especially when dealing with ash or soot?

Before moving back home, review the following guides: "Cleaning Up After a Fire-Frequently Asked Questions" and "How to Clean Up Smoke and Soot from a Fire Health Fact Sheet". Following these guidelines will help address the risks that may be present in your home because of the fires when you return home.

You can also hire an Environmental Consultant to assess the property and make recommendations.
 

Can Public Health provide a list of approved companies for property cleaning or inspection?

Public Health is unable to provide an approved list of companies. If you are filing an insurance claim, the insurance company may have a list of approved companies they work with.

How can residents protect themselves when sifting through debris for personal items?

Public Health strongly warns against sifting through fire debris, as it may pose significant health risks. Doing so may expose you to hazardous materials, sharp objects, or other harmful substances that may be present in the fire debris and ash that could lead to injuries, skin irritation, or respiratory issues. If you must sift through fire debris, take these safety precautions:

• Protect Your Lungs: Wear N95 or P-100 respirators are highly recommended as they filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, offering better protection compared to regular or dust masks, bandanas, wet cloths, or other cloth masks.
• Proper Fit: Make sure the mask fits snugly over your nose and mouth, without gaps, for effective protection.
• Wear Additional Protective Equipment: Wear gloves to protect your hands, goggles to protect your eyes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect your arms and legs, and sturdy closed-toe shoes to protect your feet. Protective clothing or a disposable suit can also help reduce the risk of cuts or exposure to hazardous materials getting on your skin.
• Take Breaks: Monitor your health and how you feel. Regular breaks in a clean area can help reduce fatigue and exposure to harmful particles.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Be sure to wash your hands and any clothing thoroughly after sifting through debris. To avoid contaminating your car, change clothes or remove your protective suit before getting in.

Can reentry kits be reused and, if so, which components are safe to reuse?

• Goggles – may be reused if properly cleaned with soap and water before reusing
• N95 masks – are not intended to be reused and should be replaced when wet or soiled
• Tyvek Suit – are not intended to be reused and should be replaced when damaged or contaminated by ash or physical contaminants
• Disposable gloves – are not intended to be reused
• Disposable shoe covers – are not intended to be reused

Will air purifiers be provided to the community, and what should residents consider if purchasing one?

Air purifiers are not being provided by Public Health to the public. If you already have one, please refer to the Air Purifier guidance. If you decide to purchase one, consider the following:

Air Purifiers:

• Choose HEPA Filters: Look for air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which can trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including smoke.
• Consider Activated Carbon Filters: These help remove gases and odors, improving indoor air quality by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in smoke.
• Room Size: Make sure the air purifier is appropriate for the size of the room. Check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) to ensure it can effectively purify the air in your space which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommended that homes have a 1/3 air changes per hour under normal conditions, during wildfire events, you might consider increasing to 2 to 4 air changes per hour.
• Placement: Position the air purifier in frequently used areas, ideally near windows or doors where smoke might enter. Make sure it's away from obstructions to maximize airflow.
• Regular Maintenance: Change filters more frequently, regularly clean the unit to maintain efficiency.

HVAC Systems:

• Use MERV-rated Filters: Upgrade to filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of at least 13, provided your system can accommodate them. If your system cannot handle that level, opt for the highest MERV rating possible. Consulting an HVAC technician is advisable if you're unsure. This helps captures smaller particles and significantly improves indoor air quality.
• Consider Activated Carbon Filters: Combining a higher MERV rating with activated carbon filters can effectively remove gases and odors, further enhancing air quality by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in smoke.
• Air Duct Cleaning: Consider having your air ducts cleaned to remove any accumulated debris, which may include ash and soot, and ensure better airflow.
• Run the System Continuously: Consider running the fan on your HVAC system continuously on "recirculate" to help filter the air, rather than it cycling on and off.
• Seal Leaks: Check for and seal any leaks in your ductwork to prevent unfiltered outdoor air from entering.
• Ventilation Control: During high smoke events, minimize the use of outside air intakes and close windows and doors to reduce smoke infiltration.

Consider utilizing HVAC Systems or combining them with the air purifier to improve the air quality.

What can residents expect during larger-scale cleanup efforts, particularly regarding air quality and the management of contaminants in the area?

More information about the larger-scale cleanup efforts for Phase 1 and Phase 2 fire debris removal will be shared as it becomes available. These efforts typically include strategies to reduce risks to workers, the public, and the environment during the cleanup and recovery process.