Firestorm 2007
Ash Cleanup Safety
From information distributed by the California EPA and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
For many people who were affected by the fires, during the month of November and beyond is when the clean up begins. According to the California Office of Health Hazard Assessment, “ash deposited by forest fires is relatively nontoxic and similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace.” However, this ash may still contain small, cancer-causing particles. Burned houses and other buildings as well as burned household items may contain a higher level of toxic particles and older buildings run the risk of containing asbestos and lead. If the ash is breathed, it can be irritating to the nose and throat and may cause coughing. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions must take special precautions.
“Hose it down, don’t blow it around,” is what local experts advise after a fire, according to an article in the North County Times (October 25, 2007). If you do hose down ash, however, use a light spray or mist setting so that the ash can be swept up and not washed down storm drains, where it will eventually pollute rivers and local beaches. In addition, remember to change filters in furnaces, air conditioners and in cars. Once the air clears, opening doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate inside the house will eventually eliminate odors.
For more information, including additional information on clean up guidelines for the interior and exterior of structures, visit www.calepa.ca.gov
- Do not allow children to play in the ash and wash ash off of children’s toys before they play with them.
- Clean ash off house pets.
- Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Avoid contact with skin.If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
- If you have a vegetable garden or fruit trees, wash the fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
- Avoid getting ash into the air as much as possible. Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions that will put ash into the air.
- Do not use shop vacuums or other common vacuum cleaners. Shop vacs and other vacuum cleaners do not filter out small particles, but rather blow such particles out the exhaust into the air where they can be breathed. HEPA filter vacuums can be used.
- Well-fitting dust masks may provide some protection during clean up. A mask rated N-95 or P-100 will be more effective than simpler dust or surgical masks in blocking particles from ash. In general, many ash particles are larger than those found in smoke; thus, wearing a dust mask can significantly reduce (but not completely eliminate) the amount of particles inhaled.
- Persons with heart or lung disease should consult their physician before using a mask during post-fire cleanup.
- Gentle sweeping of indoor and outdoor hard surfaces followed by wet mopping is the best procedure in most cases. A damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed on lightly dusted areas.
- Avoid washing ash into storm drains whenever possible.
- If ash is wet down, use as little water as possible.
- Collected ash may be disposed of in the regular trash. Ash may be stored in plastic bags or other containers that will prevent it from being disturbed.