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Health & Safety

When returning to a home impacted by a wildfire (or even a structure fire), there are several issues to consider. These issues are directly related to your health and that of anyone who returns to the property with you.

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The Atmosphere Will Likely Be Poisonous

During a devastating wildfire, an overwhelming array of toxic chemicals, noxious gases, heavy metals, and numerous other hazardous substances are unleashed from the burning materials, household products, and vegetation. These harmful contaminants saturate the air, become embedded in the ash, and pose significant health risks if inhaled or come into contact with the skin.
 
Each fire possesses its distinct chemical makeup, akin to a fingerprint or DNA—shaped by the specific fuels that have burned, the nature of the chemical reactions that occurred, the duration of the blaze, the intensity of the heat, and the complex array of odors and gases it generates. This unique combination exponentially contributes to the overall toxicity of the environment surrounding structure fires. Furthermore, manufacturers continuously introduce new chemicals into household products and building materials yearly, many of which have never undergone rigorous testing or analysis to ascertain the potentially toxic byproducts and harmful odors they release upon combustion. 
 
After a fire, it is crucial to remain vigilant regarding the poisonous nature of the smoke, lingering odors, and residual soot left in the aftermath. While the structural integrity of your home may appear safe for re-entry, myriad hidden hazards—many indistinguishable to the naked eye—could significantly endanger your health.

The Danger Burned Wood Presents

In the United States, most buildings are constructed using pressure-treated lumber, an essential material prized for its exceptional resistance to rot, fungi, and destructive termites. This durable wood is particularly favored for outdoor applications, such as fencing, decks, and picnic tables—all vulnerable to the elements. Moreover, it is a reliable alternative to standard lumber in regions notorious for pest infestations.
 
Until 2003, the manufacturing process for pressure-treated lumber involved a controversial chemical, Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA), which is laced with arsenic. This toxic heavy metal, categorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a recognized carcinogen, poses significant health risks. Prolonged exposure to arsenic can lead to a plethora of severe health disorders, including cancers affecting the lungs, skin, liver, kidneys, prostate, and bladder.
 
A further concern arises when pressure-treated wood is subjected to burning. The intense heat does not eliminate the arsenic trapped within; instead, combustion breaks the chemical bonds that keep arsenic embedded in the wood. As a result, this toxic substance escapes, merging into the soot and ash produced during the fire. The Journal of the American Medical Association highlights that even trace amounts of the “fly ash” created from burning treated wood can have devastating health implications, underscoring the dangers of mishandling this seemingly innocuous material.

The Dangers Presented by Dioxins

In the aftermath of structure fires and wildfires, particularly in areas where plastics, synthetic materials, electronics, or household products containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) have ignited, an array of highly hazardous and carcinogenic chemicals is generated. These dangerous compounds are often either overlooked or completely disregarded. One chemical of particular concern is dioxin, which many experts regard as the second most toxic chemical known to humanity, second only to radioactive waste. This substance is not only highly toxic to all forms of life but is also significantly more lethal than well-documented hazards like asbestos or lead. Furthermore, the World Health Organization classifies dioxin as part of the infamous “Dirty Dozen” – a notorious group of harmful chemicals commonly referred to as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

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