Authors:

Kaitlyn Marie Wayne

Date Created:

Not specified

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About Paper:

Wildfires generate complex mixtures of toxic contaminants, including hydrogen cyanide (HCN), hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen chloride (HCl), heavy metals, and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs). These pollutants can persist in indoor environments long after flames are extinguished, posing potential health risks to returning residents. Although environmental testing guidance exists for homes that remain standing after wildfires, current approaches vary significantly in methodology, terminology, target contaminants, and recommended action levels, resulting in inconsistent protection for impacted communities. This project investigates the exposure pathways for occupants of fire-affected but structurally intact homes and critically evaluates whether existing testing practices adequately protect public health. We conducted a comparative analysis of major post-fire environmental testing guidelines intended for homeowners, examining differences in sample types, sampling locations, contaminant thresholds, and overall clarity of guidance. Our findings are supported by environmental data from the Home Environmental Testing Report Study, where households impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires have submitted their home environmental testing reports. So far, it includes 140 resident responses and survey data reveals that many homes exhibit contaminant levels exceeding established safety thresholds yet are often not thoroughly remediated before residents return. Current guidance frequently lacks scientific rigor and fails to address the unique conditions of smoke-impacted, non-destroyed structures. Based on this analysis, we identify contaminants of greatest concern, highlight significant gaps in existing guidance, and offer evidence-based recommendations to improve post-fire environmental testing protocols. This work also emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent risk communication to better support homeowners during wildfire recovery. Keywords: Wildfire; Eaton; Standing Home; Contamination; Remediation † Presenting Undergrad Author; ‡ Contributing Undergrad Author; * Undergrad Acknowledgment

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Kaitlyn Marie Wayne