Napa County public health officials are urging that people not begin debris removal from the Napa fire until the health risks can be evaluated.
Debris and ash from residential and commercial fires is likely hazardous and may contain toxic substances due to the presence of synthetic and hazardous materials, officials warned.
Older building materials may contain asbestos and lead. Household hazardous waste such as gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemicals may have been stored in homes, garages, or sheds that burned in the fire.
These materials can become concentrated in ash and soil following a fire. It is important not to expose yourself, your family or others to any of these materials. Exposures can occur by sifting through ash and debris, causing ash to become airborne and inhaled or ingested.
Napa County is working to secure assistance from state agencies that will ensure proper handling and disposal of household hazardous waste products as well as debris and ash from the fire.
State agencies are expected to be in Napa as soon as next week to start. Until all hazardous wastes have been removed and the property is cleared of debris and all contaminated soil has been removed, no demolition permits or building permits will be issued.
Because ash and debris generated in the fire may be considered hazardous waste, do not transport ash or debris to landfills and transfer stations. Debris and ash from burned structures should remain undisturbed until further instructions are issued.
This recommendation is in place to protect the health of anyone who may come into contact with the waste, including solid waste facility employees, solid waste haulers, and the public, the county said.
To read the full story, visit http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/caution-issued-for-debris-removal-from-napa-fires/article_04d472bf-48b8-5f7f-b425-669395da05fd.html.