"One year on from the Eaton fire, long after the vicious winds that sent embers cascading from the San Gabriel mountains and the flames that swallowed entire streets, a shadow still hangs over Altadena. Construction on new properties is under way, and families whose homes survived the fire have begun to return. But many are grappling with an urgent question: is it safe to be here? The fire upended life in this part of Los Angeles county."
"The flames incinerated many older homes and businesses filled with lead paint and asbestos. They showered the community with toxins, leaving tall piles of ash and unseen traces of heavy metals in the soil and along and inside standing structures. Research has indicated some hazards remain even after properties have undergone remediation, the clean-up process that is supposed to restore homes and ensure they are safe to occupy."
One year after the Eaton fire, Altadena shows active reconstruction and partial returns by families, but residents question safety. The fire killed 19 people, displaced tens of thousands, and destroyed nearly 9,500 structures across Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. Flames burned older homes and businesses containing lead paint and asbestos, scattering toxins, ash, and heavy metals into soil and standing structures. Research indicates some hazards can persist after remediation. Residents face health complaints like migraines and respiratory issues, ongoing insurance disputes, and challenges ensuring homes are habitable while scientists and residents monitor contamination and remediation outcomes.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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