High Levels of Asbestos Slowing Down Los Angeles Fire Recovery

The March fires in Los Angeles destroyed more than 16,000 buildings. Many of them contained asbestos, which was released into the air due to the fires and the efforts to extinguish them.

In one affected section of the city, Eaton, half of the burned buildings tested positive for asbestos. The extra time it takes to abate the area has slowed rebuilding efforts. Another part of the city, Altadena, had less asbestos, and recovery has proceeded faster.

California fire officials estimate that 73% of the buildings in the affected areas were constructed before 1980. Asbestos was widely used in various building products in the US before that date.

CBS News reports that the US Army Corps of Engineers states that 2,269 properties were cleared of hazardous material, including asbestos, as of March 8. Overall, about 31% of the affected buildings have tested positive for asbestos. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a warning in February, stating that buildings within 250 yards of the fire sites could be exposed to asbestos, hazardous chemicals, and toxic heavy metals, including lead. 

Army Corps Colonel Sonny Avichal, the Eaton fire’s emergency field office commander, said testing was performed during cleanup efforts after the fires. Asbestos abatement had to be done by hand before large-scale debris removal started. 

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