After the Eaton Fire, homes in Altadena that remained standing, were covered with ash from burned structures. Recent testing shows these homes still contain dangerous levels of lead, asbestos, and other heavy metals, even after professional cleaning. According to LAist, 63% of tested homes had lead levels on their floors above Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thresholds, and 36% of homes checked for asbestos tested positive.
The testing, conducted by Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), involved 50 homes, most of which had undergone professional remediation. The results indicate that current cleaning methods may not be sufficient to remove contaminants deposited by the fire. Francois Tissot, a CalTech geochemistry professor, called the findings “worrying” and noted that more data is needed to understand the health risks fully.
EFRU is urging officials to ensure homes are free of contaminants before residents return. They also want insurance companies to extend relocation benefits until homes are deemed safe. The Los Angeles Times reported that EFRU is calling on the California Department of Insurance to require insurers to cover multiple rounds of testing and remediation.
Tissot’s lab plans to conduct independent tests on remediated homes. He highlighted the need for proper cleaning, especially near windows and doors, where contaminants can enter homes. Tissot emphasized that cleaning is crucial to reduce lead exposure, particularly for children, as there is no safe level of lead in the bloodstream.
EFRU leaders, including Nicole Maccalla and Dawn Fanning, stress the importance of setting industry standards for post-fire remediation. They recommend using HEPA air filters and leaving shoes outside to minimize contamination. The group hopes to work with researchers and officials to develop a playbook for indoor contamination, similar to existing guides for drinking water and soil.
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