LA Wildfires: Protecting Children from Smoke Contaminants like Asbestos

Precautions to reduce the risks of exposing young and vulnerable people to toxic chemicals in smoke from burned buildings.

California’s persistent wildfire problem continues to present numerous challenges to its residents, particularly in urban areas like Los Angeles (LA). The recent LA fires and subsequent air quality warnings that have followed have intensified concerns about a hidden but severe threat: asbestos exposure. With the damage caused as older buildings have gone up in flames, asbestos fibers present a very real risk to public health, as do the numerous other toxins that have been released as a result.

This article specifically examines the dangers of asbestos released during wildfires, particularly for one of the most vulnerable populations – children. We’ll take a closer look at why the area is prone to these fires, why air quality concerns can linger for a long time to come, and what measures can be taken to protect children during these disasters as well as in the aftermath.

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos, once praised for its fireproofing and insulating properties, is now notorious for causing life-threatening diseases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified asbestos as a Group 1 human carcinogen in the 1970s, prompting efforts to replace it with safer materials. However, efforts to remove asbestos from industry entirely since that time have been slow-moving, and legacy asbestos, which still resides behind the wall and under the floorboards of numerous aging structures, continue to pose a very real and persistent threat to public health.

When asbestos in disturbed, such as during building renovations and demolitions, or during natural disasters like wildfires, microscopic fibers are into the air. These fibers are invisible to the naked eye; thus, it is difficult to know when they are being breathed in. And they can cause severe internal damage that can eventually lead to chronic and life-threatening illnesses, including some of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Some of the most challenging diagnoses that have been known to result from asbestos exposure include:

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease marked by scarring and breathing difficulties.

• Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

• Lung Cancer: A particularly deadly form of cancer that can present itself in both smokers and nonsmokers alike. However, the synergistic effects of asbestos exposure coupled with smoking can make an individual up to 90 times more likely to develop malignancies, and thus, smokers exposed to fibers are at a very high risk of disease development.

• Ovarian Cancer: Linked to asbestos exposure through contaminated products or secondhand contact. Women who’ve used talc products contaminated with asbestos have been known to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at much higher rates than the general population.

Asbestos exposure also exacerbates respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and emphysema, making it even more difficult to breathe for individuals already living with these conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), no level of asbestos exposure is considered safe.

Wildfires and Asbestos: A Hidden Hazard

Wildfires in California, including the recent Palisades and Eaton fires that broke out in January 2025, have caused a number of hazardous chemicals and toxins, including asbestos fibers, to be released from older structures in the area. These fires, which so far have destroyed over 12,000 structures and displaced nearly 90,000 residents, highlight the risks posed by older buildings containing asbestos. When these structures burn, fibers are released from the debris, creating an invisible and insidious health hazard for first responders, nearby residents, cleanup crews, and even young children.

Air Quality Concerns

The smoke from wildfires contains a toxic mix of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, lead, and asbestos. Unlike visible smoke, which is composed of fine particulate matter that can irritate the respiratory system, wildfire smoke also carries invisible and hazardous toxins that can have both short- and long-term health impacts. These pollutants may include:

1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene, which are released when synthetic materials and vegetation burn, are known to cause respiratory irritation and may contribute to cancer risks over time.

2. Heavy Metals: Materials like mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which may originate from burned building materials, electronics, and natural sources, can become airborne and settle in soil and water, creating prolonged environmental hazards.

3. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): These are harmful chemicals produced by the incomplete combustion of organic materials, contributing to air pollution and increasing the risk of cancer, developmental issues, and respiratory diseases.

4. Particulate Matter (PM 2.5): Ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, exacerbating heart and lung conditions and posing severe risks to vulnerable populations, including children and those with pre-existing respiratory issues.

5. Dioxins and Furans: These toxic compounds, often released during the combustion of plastics and treated wood, can have long-lasting impacts on the immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

6. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Gases that contribute to smog and respiratory issues, especially in urban areas where wildfire smoke mixes with other pollutants.

This complex cocktail of pollutants makes wildfire smoke uniquely dangerous, particularly for children, whose faster breathing rates and developing immune systems make them more susceptible to these harmful contaminants.

Los Angeles’s dense urban environment means poor air quality can impact a large number of people all at once. Aging infrastructure in the city’s older neighborhoods often contains asbestos-laden materials, the cleanup of which is complicated and could even lead to further exposure. Asbestos fibers tend to be a persistent, ongoing threat due to the difficulty in ensuring they have been eliminated from the area entirely and the likelihood of lingering fibers to be stirred up, entering the air time and again to be inhaled or ingested.

Los Angeles: A High-Risk Area for Asbestos Exposure

Los Angeles’ industrial past and extensive aging infrastructure make it particularly susceptible to asbestos exposure. Before the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in construction materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, and roofing shingles, and thus, even today, fibers continue to be present. Let’s take a closer look at the area’s specific struggles with asbestos over the years.

Historical Context

The city’s industrial history, particularly its reliance on asbestos-heavy industries such as shipbuilding, has left a profound and lasting impact on public health in Los Angeles. Facilities like Todd Pacific Shipyards were significant contributors to the asbestos problem in the area, exposing workers to high concentrations of the substance without adequate protections for many years. On average, Los Angeles County records approximately 262 asbestos-related deaths annually, all contributed to latent exposure with disease showing up sometimes as much as 50 years later.

Naturally Occurring Asbestos

California’s state rock, serpentine, contains asbestos and is prevalent in geological formations throughout the state. Construction, mining, and wildfires can disturb these deposits, further endangering Los Angeles residents. Talc products used by California’s residents are commonly contaminated with asbestos as these two minerals naturally co-occur in close proximity to each other.

Why LA’s Children Are Especially Vulnerable to Exposure

The Palisades and Eaton fires have brought renewed attention to the hidden dangers of asbestos. Health officials have warned residents about reduced air quality due to toxic pollutants, including asbestos fibers released from older buildings. Young children are particularly susceptible to wildfire smoke and contaminants like asbestos due to their developing respiratory systems and faster breathing rates. According to health experts, children inhale more air per body weight than adults, which means they take in higher concentrations of toxic particulate matter.

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering inflammation, coughing, and wheezing. Children with pre-existing conditions like asthma are at an even greater risk of experiencing life-threatening health complications as a result.

It is important for families to limit time spent outdoors during and after wildfires, particularly when air quality warnings have been issued, as has been the case amid the current crisis. However, it is also important to note that children do not have to be outdoors to be exposed to the toxins released during these disasters. Thus, implementing safety measures indoors is equally important.

How Wildfire Smoke and Asbestos Affect Indoor Air Quality

Smoke from wildfires can seep into homes, schools, and daycare centers, contaminating indoor air. Fibers released can remain airborne for extended periods and easily accumulate indoors as a result of open windows, hitching a ride on one’s skin, hair or clothing, or being transferred indoors from contaminated family vehicles. For families with young children, this poses a dual threat of short-term respiratory distress and long-term health risks, particularly as the fibers make their way into ducts and travel throughout the home when the air conditioning is turned on, common for warm weather areas like LA.

To protect against indoor air pollution, experts recommend using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in HVAC systems. These filters can help trap fine particles, including asbestos fibers, reducing indoor contamination.

Outdoor Safety Measures

If children need to be outdoors, they should wear a properly fitted KN95 mask. These masks are effective for children aged two and older, providing protection against fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke. Unlike cloth masks or surgical masks, KN95 masks can filter out harmful particles, including PM2.5.

It’s important to make sure masks are certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and fit securely over the nose and under the chin. For younger children, KN95 masks are available in smaller sizes to ensure a proper fit.

Limiting outdoor activities during these times is critical. Schools and childcare centers in affected areas should minimize outdoor playtime and ensure that indoor spaces are well-ventilated with air purifiers running continuously. Parents should also limit their children from playing outdoors when they’re home, monitoring their whereabouts extra closely when air quality warnings have been issued.

Emergency Preparedness for Children with Respiratory Conditions

Children with asthma or other respiratory conditions are at heightened risk during wildfires. Families should ensure that their medications, such as rescue inhalers and nebulizer machines, are readily accessible wherever their children are. Watching closely for symptoms of respiratory distress, including difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, or sinus issues that may be restricting airways is important, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen can limit the effects of poor air quality. Ensuring children shower or bathe regularly can also keep their airways clear and remove any fibers that are present from the hair or skin.

Understanding Air Quality and Monitoring Tools

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a valuable tool for understanding local air quality. It measures levels of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants, providing real-time data on air safety. Families can use resources like AirNow.gov or the South Coast Air Quality Management District website to track air quality and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

However, it’s important to understand that while the AQI can provide life-saving information about the presence of toxic particulate matter, it does not measure all contaminants, including asbestos and toxic chemicals released from burning building materials. Therefore, experts advise taking precautions even if the AQI appears moderate but there is visible smoke or ash in the air.

Events like the 9/11 attack on the twin towers and the more recent Maui wildfires demonstrate what can happen when air quality warnings are not issued in a timely manner or the AQI doesn’t pick up on the presence of asbestos. The long-term consequences of toxic exposure are evident in the sheer number of individuals who have developed chronic illnesses from these disasters.

In the aftermath of 9/11, specifically, the World Trade Center Health Program was established to monitor and address health issues in survivors, first responders, and others (including families) exposed to the toxic mix of pollutants like asbestos released during the attacks. This federally funded program tracks symptoms, provides medical care, and ensures ongoing health monitoring for the tens of thousands of people who have reported suffering from illnesses like respiratory conditions and cancers after being in close proximity to the attack that day.

Moving Forward: Protecting LA’s Children

The recent Los Angeles wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, from smoke contaminants like asbestos. The risk of exposure extends beyond the immediate danger of flames and smoke inhalation, as invisible, microscopic asbestos fibers released from burning structures can linger in the air, settle indoors, and even contaminate soil and water for a long time to come. These fibers present ongoing health risks.

For children, whose developing lungs and immune systems make them especially susceptible, the stakes are even higher. Addressing this issue requires not only taking proactive measures to protect health during wildfires but instituting measures to limit exposure in the aftermath, such as driving home the importance of using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, limiting outdoor activities, and wearing KN95 masks.

The lessons from events like 9/11 have stressed the importance of taking strides to track, treat, and prevent exposure to hazardous pollutants. The World Trade Center Health Program provides a model for addressing large-scale toxic exposure, which may prove to be an important tool for LA residents in the years to come. Moving forward, advocating for stricter building codes and comprehensive air quality monitoring systems as well as increasing funding for public health programs can help city officials protect their most vulnerable residents from long-lasting health consequences resulting from wildfires and other disasters.