Santa cruz wildfires create asbestos risk

Santa Cruz, California â€" A Santa Cruz Mountains wildfire that has devastated forests of centuries-old redwoods and displaced hundreds of residents has also prompted asbestos warnings and health warnings due to the large amounts of smoke and ash generated by the fire. Strong winds of up to 45 miles per hour have caused the fire to spread over more than 3,800 acres in two counties. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Santa Cruz County on Thursday after the fire began, and in Santa Clara County on Saturday. Around two thousand people have been evacuated from their homes since the fires began. Smoke from the fire has left a dusky haze over the San Francisco Bay Area which may linger past Memorial Day, and contaminants in the air may increase the danger for residents in Santa Cruz County and the Santa Clara Valley. Health officials have warned that residents with respiratory problems may suffer from asthma attacks, and that ash may cause nose, throat, and lung irritation, and fits of coughing. Officials have recommended that residents wear fitted dust masks, but warn that wearing the masks won’t provide completely prevent debris inhalation due to the very small size of some particulate contaminants. Officials have also issued warnings about ash that will be left behind as fires burn out. Residual ash may linger for several weeks, and may contain small amounts of skin irritants and carcinogenic chemicals. In addition, some residents may be exposed to ash containing asbestos, lead, and other synthetic materials. Because it is impossible to tell by sight alone whether ash contains asbestos, lead, or other toxins, all residents have been advised to limit their exposure to ash as much as possible, and to avoid any unnecessary exposure. Any items covered in ash should be washed or wiped before use, and long sleeves, gloves and pants should be worn whenever ash contact is a risk. In addition, any skin that is exposed to ash should be washed immediately, and home-grown produce should be washed before eating. Inside the home, resident should sweep to remove ash then mop or wipe-down surfaces to remove residual ash. However, health officials have asked that residents not wash ash into storm drains, and should instead dispose of ash in trash bags. Larger chunks of debris, say officials, should be removed from homes by professional crews. This is particularly important in any case where asbestos is involved, as asbestos-containing materials must be handled and disposed of carefully to prevent further exposure risks. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)