Environmental Advisors, Inc.
Detecting Environmental Risks
The Urban Fires…Your day after
Published January 28, 2025
In the wake of devastating urban fires, the aftermath often raises pressing questions: What should you do next? Who should you call? What should you expect?
These are common concerns, and the answers are critical to ensuring your safety and well-being. Based on discussions with experts like Dr. Stephen Baruch and Dr. Ed Faeder, the first step is clear: connect with professionals who are experienced in these situations—Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs).
Why Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs) Are Essential
CIHs specialize in identifying and managing health hazards in environments like those left behind by urban fires. They know exactly what to test for, how to conduct those tests, and, most importantly, how to create detailed protocols for next steps. Their assessments are based on solid data that can stand up in court, but more importantly, they will often be critical in working with your insurance carrier to validate remediation claims.
In areas like Los Angeles, where many properties are affected, CIHs are focusing their testing on the most immediate concerns: lead, asbestos, and arsenic.
Why These Tests Matter
Urban fires unleash a dangerous mix of chemical reactions. When ordinary objects like furniture, building materials, cars, and electronics burn, they release a cocktail of toxic substances. These can include:
- Lead: Found in older paint and coatings.
- Asbestos: Common in older insulation and building materials.
- Other Hazardous Chemicals: Arsenic and synthetic compounds from modern materials and flame retardants.
The resulting ash isn’t just soot—it’s a toxic blend that requires protective measures to handle safely.
Preparing to Return to Your Property
If your property has survived the blaze, you’ll need to take precautions when you visit. Here’s what you should know:
- Protective Gear is Essential
- N95 Masks or Equivalent: These help protect against inhaling dangerous particles, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 particles are tiny—just 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter—and can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, posing significant health risks.
- Disposable Coveralls: Wear dust-protective suits (like painters’ coveralls) to limit skin contact with toxic ash.
- Gloves and Booties: These further reduce dermal exposure and keep contaminants from spreading.
- Understand the Risks
The ash from fires contains more than just visible debris. It’s a dangerous “toxic soup” that can include harmful elements like lead, asbestos, arsenic, and synthetic materials from burned petroleum-based products. - Smell vs. Particles
While the odor of smoke may linger, it’s the invisible particles that pose the real danger. These tiny particles, left behind by combustion, can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues if inhaled over time.
Final Thoughts
The aftermath of urban fires can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps now will protect your health and safety in the long run. Start by consulting a Certified Industrial Hygienist to assess your property and guide your next steps. Protect yourself with the proper gear, and remember to stay informed about the potential risks lurking in the ash and air around you.
Urban fires are devastating, but with the right precautions, you can begin the process of recovery safely and effectively. Stay safe, stay informed, and prioritize your health above all.
*****Here is a list of professional organizations dedicated to protecting human health and welfare. In my experience, reaching out to them often connects you with a knowledgeable individual who can assist you or, at the very least, point you in the right direction.******
American Society of Civil Engineers
Los Angeles Section
American Association for Wind Engineering (AAWE)
is a membership-based organization for wind engineers, structural engineers, researchers, meteorologists, and environmental scientists.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE is the nation’s oldest engineering society with 150,000+ members. ASCE stands at the forefront of a profession that plans, designs, constructs, and operates society’s economic and social engine – the built environment – while protecting and restoring the natural environment.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
promotes the art, science & practice of multidisciplinary engineering around the globe.
Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
The Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) is a professional credentialing body and membership organization serving all professionals working in the built environment. Established in 1915, AFE remains a leading technical education and credentialing resource for facilities management professionals. AFE hosts one of the most recognized certifications in the facility industry, the Certified Professional Maintenance Manager, CPMM® credential.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
NSPE was established in 1934 to realize a simple but vital goal: create an inclusive, nontechnical organization dedicated to the interests of licensed professional engineers, regardless of practice area, that would protect engineers (and the public) from unqualified practitioners, build public recognition for the profession, and stand against unethical practices and inadequate compensation.
NSPE-CA
National Society of Professional Engineers–California – Support for Licensed Professional Engineers
NSPE-CA is multidisciplinary engineering society that supports engineers in their service to the public.
Structural Engineers Association of California
Home – Structural Engineers Association of California
SEAOC’s 3,500 members are leaders in the practice of structural and earthquake engineering and key participants in the development, interpretation, and implementation of building standards and codes.
AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association)
Industrial hygienists also are found within other professional organizations, but this seems to be the major one and is an international organization.
Consultants listing
California Industrial Hygiene Council
Home – The California Industrial Hygiene Council
The California Industrial Hygiene Council was founded in 1990 to establish a legislative presence in the California State Capitol for the industrial hygiene profession. It is supported by the local sections of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) within California.
American Society of Safety Professionals (formerly American Society of Safety Engineers)
The ASSP has specialty communities that focus on particular industries or fields of professional practice, including academia, construction, consulting, engineering, environment, ergonomics, fire protection, healthcare, industrial hygiene, international, management, manufacturing, oil, gas, mining and minerals, public sector, risk management/insurance and transportation.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) www.acgih.org/
ACGIH is a member-based organization that advances occupational and environmental health. For more than 75 years, ACGIH has been respected for its dedication to the industrial hygiene and occupational health and safety industries.
Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
ihmm.org/
Founded in 1984, the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management® (IHMM®), is a not-for-profit organization. IHMM has been protecting the environment and the public’s health, safety, and security through the creation of credentials recognizing professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, expertise, and excellence in the management of hazardous materials, dangerous goods transportation, environmental protection, health, and safety. In 2019, IHMM acquired ISHM and now manages the Certified Safety and Health Manager® [CSHM®], Certified Safety Management Practitioner [CSMP®], Associate Safety and Health Manager® [ASHM®], Certified School Safety Specialist® [CSSS®, and Certified School Safety Manager® [CSSM®] credentials.
Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS)
www.rims.org/Pages/Default.aspx
As the preeminent organization dedicated to advancing the practice of risk management, RIMS, the risk management society, is a global not-for-profit organization representing more than 3,500 industrial, service, nonprofit, charitable and government entities throughout the world. Founded in 1950, RIMS brings networking, professional development and education opportunities to its membership of more than 11,000 risk management professionals who are located in more than 60 countries.
National Association of Social Workers California Chapter
California Social Workers providing Pro-bono Mental Health Services
California Lawyers Association
LA Fires – Need for Legal Assistance and How Lawyers Can Volunteer – California Lawyers Association
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Library of Legal Resources and Emergency Services Related to the Fires
Give us a call at 818-907-6565 or email advisors@environmental-advisors.com.
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