Residents of Los Angeles County are continuing to face hazardous conditions in their homes a year after the destructive wildfires that killed at least 31 people and destroyed nearly 17,000 structures. Across Altadena and Pacific Palisades, signs reading “DANGER: Lead Work Area” remain on homes, warning of risks to fertility, the central nervous system, and other health hazards.
House cleaners, hazardous waste teams, and homeowners don protective gear as they attempt to remove soot, ash, and toxic residues from properties that survived the fires. Many homes still contain dangerous levels of lead, asbestos, and other chemicals, according to testing and reports by local volunteer groups and environmental organizations.
Indoor air quality after wildfires remains poorly studied, but experts warn that exposure to smoke, ash, and residual chemicals can contribute to lung and heart disease, as well as neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s. The Eaton Fire Residents United, a volunteer group, reported that six out of 10 homes tested still had unsafe levels of lead or asbestos, with some lead readings nearly 60 times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s standard.
Homeowners such as Nina and Billy Malone shared with ABC News ongoing health problems they experience, including headaches, sore throats, and breathing difficulties, after returning to homes professionally cleaned but still contaminated. Pediatrician Dr Lisa Patel emphasized that “for individuals that are pregnant, for young children, it’s particularly important that we do everything we can to eliminate exposure to lead.”
Tests by the Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles County following the January wildfires found elevated levels of lead, arsenic, and mercury in yards of surviving homes. Scientists from Caltech reported high lead concentrations up to seven miles from the fire’s perimeter, a report from The New Lede highlighted. More than half of local school campuses also tested above state safety standards for toxic substances.
Federal assistance has been limited. FEMA declined to fund confirmatory soil testing after the fires, arguing that removing six inches of topsoil is sufficient, a decision criticized by environmental groups. The California Environmental Protection Agency said the state “continues to push for our federal partners to conduct comprehensive soil sampling,” but budget constraints have slowed progress.
Homeowners face long-term challenges, including financial burdens, insurance disputes, and ongoing exposure to toxins. Many residents describe their lives as “living in the scar,” navigating uncertainty while rebuilding homes and communities. Experts warn that without comprehensive testing and remediation, these hazards may continue to threaten public health for years to come.
