The Marshall Fire, which devastated Boulder County by destroying over 1,000 homes on December 30, 2021, continues to cast a long shadow three years later.
Recent studies shed light on persistent health issues and air quality concerns faced by survivors.
Health Symptoms and Indoor Air Quality
Research from CU Boulder has revealed alarming findings.
Six months after the disaster, more than half of the residents whose homes stood through the inferno reported experiencing various health symptoms.
Complaints included headaches, sore throats, and unusual tastes, likely linked to affected air quality.
In an eye-opening comparison, indoor air quality readings from one post-fire home were found to be on par with highly polluted areas, such as downtown Los Angeles during a bad pollution day in the 1990s.
Some hazardous gases lingered for weeks, raising further alarm.
Colleen Reid, an associate professor of geography and co-author of the studies, voiced her worries regarding the health risks posed to residents returning to their smoke or ash-damaged homes.
She emphasized the critical need for protective measures for those affected.
Research Findings and Community Impact
These studies stand out as they represent the first comprehensive investigation into indoor air quality and its health implications for homes impacted by wildfires.
They gain significance amid increasing wildfire occurrences, particularly in areas where urban and wildland spaces collide, like the tragic fires in Paradise, California, in 2018 and Lahaina, Hawaii, in 2023.
Co-author and chemistry professor De Gouw mentioned that previous research primarily focused on smoke from burning forests, neglecting the less-studied effects of burning buildings and their contents.
The Marshall Fire’s destruction was intensified by fierce winds and a severe drought, resulting in the loss of 1,084 buildings and leading to two fatalities.
Approximately 37,000 residents found themselves displaced.
Upon their return, many reported a pervasive chemical and ash odor, prompting worries about potential health risks.
To address these pressing issues, CU Boulder researchers launched a detailed investigation.
They set up monitoring devices in a nearby home that had remained untouched by the flames, tracking 50 different gases over a five-week period.
Alongside this, they conducted a survey among residents in the burn area and a random selection of those living within two miles.
Ongoing Research and Recommendations
After six months, responses from 642 participants revealed that 55% experienced health issues thought to be related to the fire.
Notably, analyses indicated a link between reported symptoms and the condition of homes upon return.
Those exposed to ash or unusual fumes were particularly prone to headaches and other related ailments.
Geographically, the study identified clusters of symptoms, especially among residents living near the most severely damaged properties.
The findings underscored enduring air quality issues and health risks for those in smoke- or ash-affected homes.
While researchers could not pinpoint specific chemicals causing these health challenges, one sampled residence did show elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, along with pollutants such as copper, zinc, and arsenic.
It’s important to note that while higher levels of VOCs are carcinogenic, low-level exposure remains common in our polluted environment.
The researchers recommended practical steps to improve indoor air quality, such as keeping windows open and using carbon-activated filters.
By the one-year mark after the fire, the percentage of residents reporting health symptoms had decreased to 33%, with many feeling more secure about their home’s air quality.
However, long-term health consequences remain uncertain.
As a precaution, Reid suggested that individuals returning to homes affected by smoke or ash should consider wearing masks.
This ongoing research seeks to inform policymakers and insurance providers, guiding them in developing safe practices for residents re-entering their homes after such devastating events.
Source: ScienceDaily