LA Wildfires and Asbestos: Roofing
The roofs of many structures among LA’s older housing stock contain shingles, roofing cement, insulation and other building materials containing asbestos.
Authorities advise residents avoid outdoor time and recommend protective equipment from airborne asbestos, and professional abatement services should be used during clean-up and rebuilding.
The devastating wildfires that have swept through the Los Angeles region have left a trail of destruction, raising a multitude of concerns, not least of which is the presence of asbestos, particularly in sroofing materials. While the immediate dangers of flames and smoke are apparent, the long-term health risks associated with asbestos exposure, especially from damaged and burned roofs, pose a significant threat to residents and cleanup crews alike. This is a critical issue, demanding careful consideration as we begin the long process of rebuilding.
A Region Under Fire: The Hidden Dangers in Burning Buildings
The Los Angeles wildfires has exposed the region’s vulnerability, not only to the destructive force of fire but also to the hidden dangers lurking within our built environment. When buildings burn, they release a complex cocktail of pollutants into the air. Beyond the toxic smoke and fumes, combustion of building materials can catalyze or release harmful substances, including asbestos fibers. This is especially problematic in the Los Angeles region due to the prevalence of older structures built when asbestos was commonly used in construction, with roofing as a prime example. The intense heat and physical damage of the fire break down the materials, releasing the microscopic asbestos fibers into the air, where they can be easily inhaled.
The Asbestos Roofing Legacy: A Historical Perspective
For much of the 20th century, asbestos was lauded for its remarkable fire-resistant properties and durability, making it a popular choice for roofing materials. Roofing shingles, tiles, and felt often contained asbestos to increase their longevity and provide superior protection against the elements, including fire.
This practice was common until the late 1970s, when mounting evidence of the devastating health consequences of asbestos exposure led to its gradual phasing out. However, the legacy of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in roofing remains a significant concern. Given that many homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area were built during or before this period, a large number of these structures likely have roofs containing asbestos. This means that the recent wildfires have released massive amounts of these dangerous fibers into the air, and the resulting debris is potentially a significant health risk.
Why Asbestos in Roofing is Particularly Dangerous
Asbestos fibers, when disturbed, become airborne and easily inhaled. In the context of wildfires, the fire damage to roofing materials releases these fibers on a large scale, making them particularly problematic. Once inhaled, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause severe and even fatal diseases. These conditions include asbestosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease; lung cancer; and mesothelioma, an aggressive and rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The latency period for these illnesses means that symptoms may not appear for many years, often decades, after exposure. This makes this exposure event a public health problem for decades to come.
The Problem Ahead: Demolition, Renovation, and Beyond
The post-wildfire cleanup and rebuilding process presents significant challenges when it comes to asbestos-containing roofing. The damaged roofs must be carefully removed, and this must be done without releasing more asbestos fibers into the environment. This is a crucial step. Simply demolishing damaged buildings without proper precautions can lead to the widespread contamination of surrounding areas and exposes workers and residents to dangerous levels of asbestos.
Further, during renovation and rebuilding, property owners and contractors need to be highly aware of the materials they are handling. Hidden under layers of newer roofing, or mixed in with older materials, asbestos-containing roofing elements may be present. Improper handling of these materials during demolition or renovation poses a significant health risk, as the disturbance of the ACMs releases fibers into the air. The potential for exposure increases significantly if the work isn’t conducted by trained and certified asbestos abatement professionals. The key is awareness and caution, to prevent these hazards from continuing in the future.
Official Guidance and Precautions
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued guidelines regarding the handling of fire debris, emphasizing the need for personal protective equipment, particularly respirators, when dealing with potentially asbestos-containing materials. The guidance from the Public Health department stresses that residents should not handle debris themselves, but rather hire licensed and trained professionals who have the expertise to safely remove asbestos. They also recommend that property owners consult state agencies for assistance with hazardous waste removal.
Similarly, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) highlights the crucial need for proper training and certification for anyone involved in asbestos abatement work, as noted in the referenced article. It’s important to note that the dangers they reference include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, and are related to the exposure of microscopic asbestos particles.
Protecting Yourself: Essential Steps for Los Angeles Residents
Given the significant and long-term dangers associated with asbestos-containing roofing materials exposed by the recent wildfires, it is absolutely crucial for residents in Los Angeles to take specific and proactive steps to safeguard their health and well-being. First and foremost, if your home or any building you frequent was constructed before 1980, it is imperative to assume that its roof contains asbestos. This is a critical first step for risk mitigation. As such, it is absolutely vital that you do not attempt to remove, repair, or in any way disturb damaged roofing materials yourself, as any disturbance can release hazardous fibers. Instead, you should engage the services of licensed and certified asbestos abatement professionals for all demolition, cleanup, and renovation work; they have the training and equipment needed to handle these materials safely.
To remain informed, consistently seek the latest recommendations and guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other relevant agencies. If you are in an area with fire debris, or any area with potentially asbestos-containing materials, make sure you are wearing proper personal protective equipment, like N95 respirators and disposable coveralls. Furthermore, reduce all possible risks by being aware of exposure routes, and doing everything you can to limit your exposure. Keep children away from all areas with ash or fire debris, and keep interior spaces ventilated to reduce the risk from any lingering airborne particles. By following these guidelines, you will play an essential part in keeping yourself and your family healthy.
The Long-Term Health Threat
The asbestos exposure stemming from damaged roofing is not just an immediate concern. The long latency periods of asbestos-related diseases mean that communities in Los Angeles may see an increase in cases of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma in the decades following these fires. A proactive and vigilant approach to asbestos mitigation is essential now, to prevent a future public health crisis.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles wildfires have exposed a critical, but often hidden danger: asbestos in roofing materials. The immediate devastation of fire is compounded by the long-term health risks associated with asbestos exposure. By taking the necessary precautions, following official guidance, and engaging trained professionals, we can mitigate this danger and ensure that the rebuilding of Los Angeles is done safely, and without jeopardizing the future health of our community. It’s not just about putting roofs back on houses; it’s about doing it with a full understanding of the risks. This requires a regional response.