Hazardous Materials/Waste (Including Soil Sampling) Following a wildfire where there are significant numbers of private residences or commercial structures damaged or destroyed, 44 the need to remove hazardous waste, ash and debris quickly is important and protective of public health and the environment. The quick cleanup of such materials minimizes dispersion into the air and run-off to surrounding soils and waters. In addi - tion, the quick and consistent cleanup of haz - ardous materials/waste, ash, and debris is often desired for political or economic reasons. Health Impacts Ash, charred debris, and other contaminated mate - rials from burned structures may be hazardous with the potential to cause health effects. Some of the concerns in this debris pile might be asbestos containing materials or heavy metals (arsenic, lead, and cadmium). 45 In addition, there may be a number of chemicals including propane (tanks), batteries, pool chemicals, fertilizers, electronic waste, asbes - tos siding or insulation, paints, ammunition, sol - vents, and oils. While much of the materials will be consumed in the fire, often properties will have intact contain - ers of various hazardous wastes. Hazardous waste will pose a variety of health risks depending on the materials involved and should be carefully handled using appropriate personal protective equipment (often by contractors). Health effects will vary depending on the specific chemicals in the debris, the magnitude of the exposure, and the exposure route. Exposure can occur through inhalation of smoke or debris dust, dermal contact with debris, ingestion of contaminated food products and water, or incidental ingestion from contaminated hands. Hazardous Waste Removal The process for removal of these chemicals 46 can involve contractors paid and hired by state regula - tory entities or paid by local funds in emergency or disaster declarations and overseen by local hazard- ous materials programs. In cases where the number of damaged/destroyed homes is small, the removal might involve partnerships with household haz - ardous waste collection coordinating agencies that might be involved with door-to-door collections or consolidated collection locations. This removal, in
larger incidents involving hundreds or thousands of homes, is often considered Phase I 47 activities. Local or state hazardous materials/waste agencies should consider oversight of contractors 48 and documenta - tion of the status and completion of such removals. Local Declarations In the last decade of California wildfires, local declarations of emergency or local disaster decla- rations have preceded the removal of hazardous waste, so entry onto private property by contract workers and local hazardous materials/waste staff is allowed on the basis of removing a public health threat. Owners are advised what will occur and then contractors move in to remove any hazardous waste that can be separated from debris piles for packaging and removal. Often, advisories explic - itly direct property owners not to remove hazard- ous waste and the dangers of retrieval activities. Hazardous waste removal has often been funded through state emergency removal funds and, where necessary, federal removal funds coordinated by the US EPA. Asbestos Assessment Homes that have been damaged or burned may contain asbestos or asbestos containing materials (ACM). Asbestos might be found in attic or wall insulation containing vermiculite, vinyl floor tiles, roofing or siding shingles, hot water and steam pipes covered with an asbestos blanket or tape, or automobile clutches and brakes. An evalua - tion for potential asbestos should be performed and appropriate protections taken when the ash/ debris is removed. Often, ACM cannot be separated from debris piles. However, if the assessment and testing reveal asbestos, transportation and disposal options must include provisions to protect against undue exposures. Specific state laws or regulations may govern handling and disposal. Seek guidance from regulatory experts in asbestos handling, Because asbestos in its friable form is the princi - pal danger to the public or responders and cannot be seen or detected, often asbestos is overlooked. With older construction or structures, one must be aware of potential ACM that might have been damaged during the wildfire. Environmental public health professionals must take this into account, not stir up fire debris, and take appropri - ate measures when debris is being moved, such transportation and disposal. 49 Asbestos Exposure Prevention
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