Following the Eaton fire, many homes in the Altadena area were left standing, covered in ash and debris from buildings that burned to the ground. Initial post-fire testing showed that asbestos had settled on and inside these surviving homes. Months later, new rounds of testing revealed that contamination is still present. Results indicate that more than a third of professionally cleaned homes still tested positive for asbestos and other toxins.
Asbestos and Lead: Lingering Threats After Urban Wildfires
Asbestos was once a common construction material, especially in houses built before the 1980s. It is a well-known cause of illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Lead is another material used in older buildings, and can severely damage the brain and nervous system.
The problem is that when these materials burn, they do not vanish. They settle into dust, cling to surfaces, and drift into the soil, where they can be stirred up during routine activities. This means that everyday tasks, such as sweeping, gardening, and even unpacking after returning home, can expose one to toxins. Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma decades later, and no amount of exposure is considered “safe.”
The Actual Results
A report issued by the Eaton Fire Residents United demonstrates a troubling picture. Of the 50 homes tested, 63% had lead levels above federal safety thresholds. Even more alarming is that six homes that were tested for heavy metals still showed contamination even after professional remediation.
Francois Tissot, CalTech geochemistry professor, explains these alarming results. He stated that, unlike rural wildfires, urban wildfires burn thousands of manmade materials, many of which may contain asbestos and other toxins. Given that 78 percent of the homes cleaned by professional remediation companies still showed levels of contamination, Tissot noted that cleaning protocols traditionally used after wildfires may not be sufficient, especially for dense residential areas.
According to Nicole Maccalla, the data science director for the resident group, only about half the affected homes were even tested for asbestos, despite the well-established cancer risk. This indicates the testing process itself is insufficient.
What Returning Home After a Wildfire Really Means
At the moment, many families are grappling with when (or if) they will get back home safely. As mentioned earlier, on the surface, the house might look fine; however, the results, even after professional remediation, indicate otherwise. So, if you or someone you love is preparing to move back home after the Eaton Fire, the most critical step is not rushing to return. While many residents may be feeling pressure from insurance companies, contractors, or simply wanting to get life back to normal, the data show it's not safe.
Some of the recommendations given by the residents' group include running HEPA air purifiers, removing shoes at the entry, and requesting additional testing as a starting point. However, you deserve clearance, not guesswork, before going home. It is best to wait until the results are sufficient and consistently indicate it is safe to return.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced Arizona mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you live a more comfortable life.
