Now that officials are allowing residents to return to fire evacuation zones to see what's left of their homes, health experts say it's safer to wait a little longer before going inside the burn area.
But if you plan to see what happened to your home with your own eyes, there are a few precautions you can take to protect your health.
Los Angeles County officials offered several words this week 11,000 people could return to their homes.
But officials are still concerned about residents coming into contact with hazardous materials left behind by the unprecedented fire.
Earlier this week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed executive orders aimed at speeding recovery, stressing the importance of ensuring the safe recovery of hazardous waste from burn scars.
Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health A ban on cleanup or removal of fire debris from fire-damaged and burned properties has been issued in critical fire areas such as the Palisades, Eden, Kenneth, Creek, Hurst and Lydia fires. Recognized Govt.
Central and state environment agencies are gearing up to inspect properties destroyed by the fire.
“We completely understand that people are anxious to get their property back,” said California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Yana Garcia.
“Hazards in the area include batteries, ammunition, propane tanks, pesticides, household cleaning products that become highly volatile and toxic when exposed to heat and fire,” Garcia said.
Among those who lost their homes in the Palisades fire was Dr. Ashraf M., a pulmonologist at Providence St. John's Health Center. There is Elsayek, who has not returned to his home to assess the damage and is in no rush to do so. .
During a news conference at the hospital Thursday, Elsayek said her family would eventually like to go home and see if anything can be salvaged.
“I think I'm going to wait as long as possible, and if I go, I'm going to use all the proper precautions,” Elsayek said.
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The doctor expressed extreme caution about returning to the fire zone because of the harmful chemicals contained in the ash in damaged and remaining homes.
Researchers still do not fully understand how harmful urban fire ash is in the immediate area and its impact on surrounding communities.
what Experts know that urban fires are highly toxic Chemicals released from burnt houses, household items and cars than wildfires.
One reason for the lack of available data is that “we don't have anything to compare it to [because the Los Angeles-area fires are] “It's a combination of wildfires and urban fires,” which pose different risks than wildfires, he said.
Elzayek described the fire in the Los Angeles area as “the largest urban fire in modern United States history.”
A somewhat comparable urban conflagration Elsayegh can point to is the September 11, 2001, attack on New York's World Trade Center.
In the months following the 9/11 attacks, first responders and residents were exposed to a dangerous mix of asbestos, silica dust, heavy metals and other dangerous chemicals. .
“If we learn anything [from Sept. 11, it is that] We could have gone back too soon,” he said.
Experts don't have an exact timeline for when people should return to burning areas; Their main advice is to listen to local authorities.
“That's easier said than done because we all want to rebuild at some point,” Elsayek said.
Once you're allowed back into an evacuation area, experts warn you should wear protective gear.
“Ash lives in any given area for about two years, so it's going to be around for a while,” Elzayek said.
Ash contains volatile organic compounds including benzene, silica, asbestos, lead, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen fluoride. Most of these compounds are carcinogenic.
The compounds also come from old burning homes, cars, furniture and household cleaning products, he said.
If you return to a burned area, survey the damage, or dig through rubble for a family heirloom, for example, you expose yourself to harmful chemicals.
These toxins can affect your heart, bloodstream and even the gastrointestinal tract, Elsayek said.
“After the big wildfires, we've already seen increases in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia and lung infections,” he said.
Long-term health effects include lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, or silicosis.
Elsayegh points back to the World Trade Center, saying, “About 20% to 25% of people are exposed [9/11 plume of smoke and ash] Their lungs still require medical treatment.”
How to Protect Yourself When Appraising Your Apartment
Elsayegh recommends getting a tetanus shot before entering the burn area.
These areas can contain a lot of metal and rusty nails, and if you cut yourself, you are at a higher risk of contracting tetanus.
You can make an appointment to get a tetanus shot at the following locations:
A tetanus booster shot is recommended every 10 years. If you don't have a booster, Elsayek recommends getting one.
Protective gear to be worn when visiting a burn site should include:
- An N95 mask. Cloth and surgical masks and bandanas let in more air Do not filter fine particles.
- Not glasses, but glass-like safety glasses.
- Work gloves.
- A long sleeve shirt and pants.
- Sturdy shoes with thick soles.
After leaving the burn area and returning to temporary shelter, remove your clothing and protective equipment before entering the home to minimize exposure to others indoors.
You're dealing with potential asbestos compounds in the ash, and after exposure to them, they can stick to your clothes and skin.
If any area of your skin is exposed to ash during your visit, use baby wipes to clean it off, then shower immediately, Elsayek said.
My house was saved. How can I clean it?
If ash collects outside your home, experts recommend not sweeping it up or using a leaf blower because you can blow it back into the air.
Instead, sprinkle the ash with water, collect it in a garbage bag and throw it in your trash.
Do not use a garden hose to soak the ash, as you will create a toxic sludge.
When you return to your house that is not damaged by fire, there will be ash particles inside the house.
Do not sweep, dust, or use a conventional vacuum to clean ash particles. Instead, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove small particles left in the house. Pasadena city officials Advice.
They advised that carpet, upholstery and window treatments may require commercial cleaning.
Who should not be a part of cleanup efforts?
Children, pregnant women, and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart disease, or diabetes should avoid cleaning fire damage or ashes.
Symptoms to look out for and where to get help
If you've visited a burn area or volunteered in affected communities, experts say you should watch for signs of exposure, such as upper respiratory tract infections, asthma exacerbations, wheezing and allergic-type reactions.
If you feel unwell, call your doctor for further advice.
You can also call Providence St. John's Health Center's newly established Disaster Relief Pulmonary Clinic for a consultation at (310) 829-8618.
Additional features editor Marquez Harper contributed to this report.