ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/eh/ehhome.htm

In an effort to aid those who have lost their homes and property to the recent Summit Fire, Santa Cruz County Environmental Health would like to offer some advice on protecting yourself and others from the potentially hazardous debris that remains. When dealing with the structure ash (not forest ash), it should be considered hazardous. This ash can contain small amounts of cancer causing chemicals and can be irritating to the skin, especially to those with sensitive skin. If the ash is inhaled, it can be irritating to the nose, throat and lungs and may cause coughing. Exposure to airborne ash may trigger asthmatic attacks in individuals who already have asthma. Therefore, in order to avoid possible health problems, the following steps are recommended:

Well fitting dust masks may provide some protection during cleanup. In general, many ash particles are larger than those found in smoke. Thus, wearing a dust mask can significantly reduce, but not completely eliminate, the amount of particles inhaled.

Anyone with heart or lung disease should consult a physician before using a mask during post-fire cleanup.

Avoid getting ash into the air as much as possible. Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions that will put ash into the air.

Shop vacuums and other common vacuum cleaners do not filter out small particles. They blow such particles out the exhaust into the air where they can be inhaled. The use of shop vacuums and other non-HEPA filter vacuums is not recommended. HEPA filter vacuums could be used, if available.

Gentle sweeping of indoor and outdoor hard surfaces followed by wet mopping is the best procedure in most cases. A damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed on lightly dusted areas.

Use as little water as possible to wet down ash.

Avoid washing ash into storm drains as much as possible.

Do not allow children to play in the ash. Wash ash off toys before children play with them. Clean ash off house pets.

Wear gloves, long sleeved shirts and long pants and avoid skin contact.

If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible. Some wet ash can cause chemical burns.

If you have a vegetable garden or fruit trees, wash the fruits or vegetables before eating them.

Collected ash may be disposed of in the regular trash. Ash may be stored in tied plastic bags or other containers that will prevent it from being disturbed.

Older buildings in particular may contain asbestos and lead. Professional assistance should be sought in the removal of ash and other debris from burned structures.

For more information on ash and debris cleanup, visit:

The California Environmental Protection agency’s website at www.calepa.ca.gov/Disaster/Fire,

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/

Prior to transport and disposal of structure ash, the following materials should be separated out:

Propane cylinders

Pressurized cylinders

Lead/Acid batteries

Pool/Cleaning chemicals

Ammunition/Explosives/Fireworks

Gasoline/Diesel containers

Oil/Solvent containers

Refrigeration systems (incl. Appliances)

Pesticides/herbicides/fertilizers

Gas-powered tools/equipment

Paints

Medical/pharmaceutical waste

Automobiles

Tires

The Household Hazardous Waste collection facility at the County’s Buena Vista Landfill can accept most of these materials at no cost to you. Please call the landfill at (831) 454-2606 or (831) 763-8018 prior to transporting these materials to the site to insure they are open and able to take the waste when you get there.

Finally, if you encounter any hazardous materials that you feel uncertain or uncomfortable about, please contact Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Services at (831) 454-2022 for assistance.