The recent wildfires in Pasadena, Altadena, and Palisades have left devastation in their wake, and many homeowners and business owners are eager to begin the cleanup and restoration process. But before you rush into clearing out debris and scrubbing away soot, it’s critical to understand the hidden hazards that could be lurking in your home.
Rushing Into Cleanup Can Be Dangerous
Many companies are offering fire damage cleanup services, but not all are prioritizing safety. Fires don’t just leave behind ashes and soot—they can expose you to dangerous substances like asbestos and lead, which were commonly used in older buildings.
In fact, 3 of the last 10 properties we treated tested positive for asbestos and lead. This means thousands of burned homes and businesses could be contaminated with hazardous materials that pose serious long-term health risks.
What Makes Fire Damage Cleanup So Hazardous?
Burned Buildings Contained Asbestos & Lead
Older buildings—many of which were affected by these fires—were built with materials containing asbestos and lead paint. When burned, these substances become airborne and settle as invisible contaminants in your home.
Vehicles, Chemicals & Household Materials Released Toxic Substances
Cars, household cleaners, plastics, and other burned items can leave behind toxic residue that traditional cleaning methods won’t remove.
Soot & Ash Can Bring Contaminants Into Your Home
Even if your home wasn’t directly burned, soot and ash that entered through vents, windows, or doors may have carried lead, asbestos, and other harmful chemicals inside.
Why Testing Is Critical After Fire Damage
Before you begin cleaning—or if you’ve already had cleanup done—testing is the only way to be sure your home is safe. Just because the visible soot and ash are gone doesn’t mean you aren’t living with dangerous, invisible contaminants.
How Testing Impacts Cleanup & Restoration
- If asbestos or lead are present, special abatement processes must be followed to remove them safely.
- Not all contents of your home can be salvaged. Certain items, including furniture and clothing, may need to be discarded to avoid long-term exposure risks.
- HVAC and ductwork may need full replacement, not just a simple cleaning, to prevent contaminated air from circulating in your home.
Beware of Unsafe Cleanup Services
Many out-of-town cleanup companies have rushed into Southern California to take advantage of fire victims. Unfortunately, not all of them are following the proper safety protocols. We fear that long-term health problems could arise if hazardous materials are not properly addressed.
Get Tested Before Moving Forward
If you haven’t had testing done yet, do it before cleaning. If your home has already been cleaned, get it tested now to be sure you aren’t unknowingly exposing your family to toxins. Your health is worth it.
For professional testing and safe restoration services, contact us right away. Don’t take chances with your safety—get peace of mind knowing your home is truly clean and hazard-free. Check out our video on this topic and give us a call if you’re unsure of how to proceed.