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Organization: South Coast Air Quality Management District
Date: October 16, 2008
AQMD Offers Homeowners Tips After Recent Wildfires
Safely Removing Fire Ash, Dust and Debris
Wildfires can leave large amounts of ash, small dust and burnt particles in areas near the fires. Exposure to ash and dust from these fires can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and respiratory system. In addition, ash, dust and debris remaining from burned homes, businesses and other structures can contain some toxic materials such as asbestos, lead and arsenic.
Below are some tips you can follow to safely clean up ash and debris left by wildfires:
• Avoid skin contact with the ash and debris which can be a skin irritant. Wear long sleeves, pants and gloves during clean up. If ash does get on the skin, wash off immediately.
• Avoid activities that would cause the ash to become airborne. Wet down ash before removal with a low pressure sprayer. Avoid generating runoff. Do not use leaf blowers or shop vacuums that may blow small ash particles into the air.
• Completely remove ash from areas where wood structures were present, particularly structures made with pressure-treated wood such as play structures and wooden decks. Ash and debris in these areas may contain high levels of arsenic.
• Children are particularly susceptible to exposure from ash and dust particles. Keep children out of an area where clean up is occurring and clean toys before children play with them.
• Wash home-grown fruits and vegetables before eating.
Should I wear a protective mask when disturbing or removing ash and debris?
A well-fitted, properly rated mask can provide some protection from ash particles, which tend to be larger than fine particles found in smoke. However, a particulate or dust mask does not protect against gaseous air pollution. Always use caution when using a protective mask in fire-burned areas. Below are some tips to follow when choosing a mask:
• Look for a mask rated N-95, R-95 or P-95. These low-priced masks are available at hardware and home improvement stores. When fitted properly, these masks can filter out 95 percent of particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter or larger. A mask rated N-99 or N-100 is even more efficient at filtering out small dust particles.
• Respirators with a HEPA filter may also be used. These will filter even smaller particles typically found in smoke. For businesses that supply these kinds of respirators look in your local telephone directory under safety equipment.
• While smaller-sized masks may fit a child's face, masks are not recommended for use by children. Children should only return to an area impacted by a wildfire after cleanup is complete.
• Individuals with heart or lung disease should first consult a physician before using masks or other respiratory protection to clean up after a fire.
• Carefully follow all of the manufacture's directions listed on the mask or other respiratory protection.
Asbestos in Debris Home and business owners need to use caution when cleaning up debris from burned homes that could contain asbestos, a known toxic air contaminant.
Prior to 1984, asbestos was used in some building materials including roofs, sidings, floor tiles, adhesives, acoustic ceilings and heating ducts. If asbestos was present in the building materials, it could also be present in the ash, dust and debris of a home or other burned structure.
When left in place and undisturbed, asbestos in building materials typically does not pose a hazard. When disturbed by fire, demolition or remodeling, asbestos particles can become airborne. The following tips will help protect you and your family from potential asbestos exposure:
• Hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor if asbestos is suspected or known to be present. Debris should be stabilized by wetting and covering with plastic sheeting until removed.
• When wetting suspected or known asbestos-containing materials, use a fine, low-pressure spray of water and avoid generating runoff.
• To reduce the amount of material disposed of as asbestos, homeowners can hire a certified asbestos consultant to test and identify asbestos so that it can be separated from non-asbestos debris. This disposal method is less costly.
In addition to the information provided at www.aqmd.gov, below are other websites you can access to obtain more information:
