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 manufacturer’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:
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
Revised: October 2008
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