When is it safe to return home after wildfire smoke contaminates a property? California could soon become the first state in the nation to establish statewide safety standards for wildfire smoke pollution, following the passage of two bills Monday.
Since last year’s Los Angeles-area wildfires, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate or remain in temporary housing, even though their homes survived the flames. Many homeowners remain concerned about potential exposure to hazardous substances, including lead and asbestos, that can settle in walls, ventilation systems and air ducts after a wildfire. The state currently lacks consistent requirements for testing and removing these toxins.
The uncertainty has also led to disputes between California homeowners and their insurance companies over wildfire damage, cleanup and the safety of returning home.
State Rep. John Harabedian, who represents Altadena — where the Eaton Fire killed 19 people and destroyed approximately 9,400 homes and other structures — authored one of the bills approved this week.
“I think this will be very helpful to the Eaton and Palisades fire survivors who are litigating with their insurance companies and continuing to fight this issue,” he said. “Many families are unable to resolve these conflicts because there are no objective metrics, no real goalposts, and no certainty.”
Together, the two bills would require the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the Air Resources Board to create regulations and guidance identifying which pollutants must be addressed after a wildfire. The measures would also establish procedures for environmental testing and criteria for determining when wildfire-damaged homes are safe for reoccupation.
“AB 1642 is the first standard in the nation to set standards for the inspection, repair, and remediation of residential properties affected by wildfires,” Harabedian said. “Its companion bill, 1795, would ensure that insurance companies use these standards for inspection and repair when processing insurance claims for wildfire-damaged homes.”
Harabedian said media coverage of wildfire smoke contamination and related health concerns, including reporting by NBC News, helped lawmakers identify policy gaps that needed to be addressed.
The legislation will next go to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration and signature. Harabedian said the governor’s staff has provided feedback on the bills, but Newsom has not formally stated whether he will sign them.
Source: www.nbcnews.com