The Eaton and Palisades fires that have torn through over 40,000 acres of Los Angeles county have been labeled the worst natural disaster in American History. At least now it seems that LAFD is beginning to get the upper hand on the fires that continue to burn. However, a far more insidious consequence of this disaster is beginning to set in: fallout.
Fallout occurs when some sort of cataclysmic event (like a fire or a nuclear bomb) causes toxic dust to be carried into the atmosphere and gradually spread across the map as it falls back down to earth. Now, the fires that recently beset our city burned through over 12,000 homes. That’s over 12,000 homes worth of asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, ash, and pretty much any form of particulate matter you could think of.Â
This fallout dust, once it falls to the ground, won’t go away after the fires are out. Fallout can get kicked up by wind and people over and over again for weeks following the disaster, and it can have serious consequences for long term exposure without respiratory protection.
According to several studies, wildfire fallout has been linked to a spike in heart and pulmonary illnesses which can last for several years. It’s been linked to skin cancers and other superficial issues. And in a Canadian study, researchers reported that those who lived within 50 miles of a major city with a fire in the past decade, there was a 10% higher risk of brain tumors.
That being said, it is extremely important, at least in the weeks following the Eaton fires, that people (especially students) wear masks and try to limit outdoor activities.
Good rule of thumb is to behave like we’re in early COVID days again. Wear a mask at all times when you go outside. Wipe down surfaces regularly (to get rid of dust), and wash hands. Avoid using things that upset dust into the air (like leaf blowers). The EPA strongly recommends that you keep all doors and windows closed, that you change air conditioner filters regularly, and that you pick up an air purifier if possible.Â
For the next few weeks, everyone’s main goal is to limit exposure as much as possible and stay safe. Carcinogenic fallout is no joke, so take whatever precautions you can. Thank You.
Postscript from the writer:
I understand that many of these precautions can be hard to keep track of so I will link a checklist with all EPA recommendations below for people to check out. Stay Safe and thanks for reading.
You can access the checklist - Here