• LA wildfires: what pollution can we expect?
    Basin fire in Fresno County, CA. Credit: Public Domain.

    Air quality monitoring

    LA wildfires: what pollution can we expect?


    Beyond the immediate destruction caused by California's latest wildfires, they released a whole lot of medium- and long-term pollution into the environment, contributing to climate change and harming health.


    The recent Los Angeles wildfires have already ranked among the most destructive in California’s history, despite being far smaller in scale than some of the state’s largest past wildfires.

    The Palisades and Eaton fires alone have collectively destroyed over 10,000 structures, making them two of the most devastating fires in recent history.

    While the scale of destruction is staggering, another pressing concern is the pollution generated by these wildfires, which can have far-reaching consequences for air quality, public health, and environmental stability.

    Additionally, as rain is expected in the coming days, new concerns arise regarding toxic runoff from the burned areas, which may contaminate water sources and spread pollutants further.

    How much carbon have LA wildfires emitted?

    One of the most significant environmental consequences of wildfires is their release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. According to estimates, California’s wildfire carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions from 2020 were nearly double the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions achieved by the state since 2003. This means that wildfires not only contribute significantly to climate change but can also undo decades of emissions reduction efforts in just a single season.

    Further complicating the situation, the expected rainfall could wash ash and pollutants into rivers and reservoirs, exacerbating existing environmental issues. Past studies have shown that post-wildfire rainfall can mobilize significant amounts of particulate matter and toxins, leading to water quality concerns for months after the fire itself has been extinguished.

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    How conventional firefighting can exacerbate pollution

    Fire suppression techniques, particularly the use of chemical flame retardants, introduce additional pollutants into the environment. A commonly used retardant, Phos-Chek LC-95W, has been found to contain toxic metals at levels far exceeding drinking water regulatory limits. Some key findings include chromium levels exceeding safety limits by a factor of 727, cadmium levels surpassing the maximum contaminant limit by a factor of 2,880, and additional toxic metals such as vanadium, arsenic, lead, and copper, all detected in significant concentrations.

    While efforts have been made to replace LC-95W with a potentially less toxic alternative (MPV-Fx), concerns remain about the long-term impact of fire retardant use on water sources, soil health, and local ecosystems. With rain on the way, these concerns grow, as heavy rainfall may facilitate the leaching of these contaminants into groundwater and urban runoff systems, affecting water quality for entire communities.

    Airborne pollutants 

    Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of harmful pollutants that can severely impact air quality and public health. One of the most dangerous pollutants is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

    Short-term exposure can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, while long-term exposure increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, and lung damage. According to a report by non-profit research institution, Resources for the Future, 'wildfire smoke frequently causes particulate matter pollution to exceed federal standards'.

    Another significant pollutant is carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion. High CO levels can cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or death. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable to CO exposure, as it reduces oxygen transport in the blood.

    Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene and formaldehyde, are also present in wildfire smoke. These compounds can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and some are known carcinogens that pose long-term health risks, including central nervous system damage. Additionally, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), formed during the incomplete burning of organic materials, contribute to respiratory irritation and have been linked to increased cancer risk.

    Wildfires also release nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a primary component of smog. Ozone exposure can reduce lung function, exacerbate asthma, and increase vulnerability to lung infections. This makes wildfire-related air pollution particularly hazardous for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

    Additionally, Latino communities in Los Angeles County, as highlighted in a report by the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute, are disproportionately affected by wildfire smoke due to their higher rates of employment in outdoor and essential industries. This overrepresentation in vulnerable occupations means that they face increased exposure to hazardous air pollutants, exacerbating existing health inequities.

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    Pollution from burning structures

    Beyond the natural pollutants from burning vegetation, wildfires in urban areas introduce additional toxic elements into the atmosphere. As homes and infrastructure burn, synthetic fibers from carpets, furniture, and clothing release hazardous fumes. Electronics, plastics, and vehicles add to the toxic mix by emitting dioxins and heavy metals, further degrading air quality.

    Lisa Miller, a wildfire smoke expert at the University of California, Davis, describes this as “a toxic soup,” emphasizing that modern wildfires in urban areas are significantly more hazardous due to the diverse range of combustibles. The coming rain also raises concerns about the dispersal of these pollutants, as water can wash heavy metals and chemicals from burned structures into soil and waterways, further complicating cleanup efforts.

    What are the primary impacts of these pollutants?

    Exposure to wildfire pollution can have serious health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Health experts recommend staying indoors and using air purifiers during heavy smoke conditions, wearing N95 masks to reduce inhalation of fine particulate matter, and following public health advisories to minimize outdoor exposure.

    In addition to human health, the environmental consequences of wildfire pollution include soil and water contamination from both wildfire ash and fire retardant chemicals, increased atmospheric CO2 levels contributing to climate change, and long-term damage to ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and wildlife habitats. The UCLA report further emphasizes that Latino construction workers, who make up a significant portion of the rebuilding workforce, will face prolonged exposure to hazardous materials at burn sites, increasing their health risks.

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    Mitigating the impact of wildfire pollution

    As wildfires become more frequent and severe due to climate change, mitigating their environmental and health impacts is crucial. Strategies to address wildfire pollution include investing in forest management practices to reduce fire severity, enhancing early warning systems for faster evacuation and emergency response, improving urban planning and fire-resistant infrastructure, and advancing research on safer fire retardants with minimal environmental toxicity.

    Furthermore, the UCLA report highlights the need for tailored disaster response strategies that address the unique vulnerabilities of Latino communities. Increased access to health insurance, worker protections, and air quality monitoring in high-risk areas are necessary steps in ensuring equitable recovery efforts.

    The Los Angeles wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the growing environmental and health risks associated with wildfire pollution. Beyond the immediate destruction, the long-term implications of smoke exposure, chemical contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions highlight the urgent need for comprehensive wildfire management and pollution mitigation strategies. As climate change continues to drive more frequent and intense wildfires, proactive policies and sustainable fire management practices will be key in protecting both public health and the environment. With the arrival of rain, new challenges emerge, including toxic runoff and the spread of post-fire pollutants, further underscoring the need for an urgent, coordinated response to ensure a safer and more resilient Los Angeles.


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