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Residents of Altadena, California, are increasingly concerned about potential long-term health effects following the Eaton fire, which devastated the area earlier this year. Independent testing by two groups found lead levels in standing homes far exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) safety limits. The fire, which burned over 9,000 structures, released dangerous toxins, including lead, asbestos, and benzene, into the environment.
Francois Tissot, a Caltech professor, and Jane Potelle, an environmental advocate, conducted separate studies that revealed alarming lead contamination in homes both within and beyond the burn area. Their findings showed lead levels exceeding 100 times the EPA's allowable limits, posing significant health risks, especially to children. "Children exposed to lead will have diminished cognitive development," Tissot warned, highlighting the potential irreversible damage to young brains and nervous systems.
The Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), a grassroots organization founded by Potelle, tested 90 homes and found lead levels above EPA limits in 76% of them. Despite these findings, many residents have returned to their homes, often without adequate testing or support from insurance companies or government agencies.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has allocated $3 million to assist homeowners in testing their soil for lead contamination. However, the lack of federal involvement in testing and remediation has left many residents frustrated. Insurance companies have also been hesitant to cover testing costs, leading residents to pay out of pocket or rely on community efforts to gather data.
The situation in Altadena underscores the challenges of addressing environmental hazards following urban wildfires. As residents grapple with insurance disputes and health concerns, there is a growing call for more comprehensive testing and support from both state and federal agencies to prevent a potential environmental health disaster.