California Department of Public Health

2018 Ferguson Brand in Mariposa County Credit: Inciweb

SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warns against removing ashes from wildfires. Ash can contain many toxic substances, including arsenic, asbestos, lead and fine particles that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory problems.

"It's important to limit the amount of ash floating in the air, sweeping leaves and blowers may be a clever way to clean, but you can blow the ashes and people can breathe," Dr. Karen. Smith, director of the CDPD and responsible for public health. "It's also important to avoid contact of the skin with the ashes due to the chemicals and toxins it contains."

Symptoms that may be associated with exposure to ash or soot include itching, wheezing, tightness or chest pain, palpitations, headache, and dizziness. CDPH recommends these tips to safely clean the ashes:

• Never use a leaf blower as it will disperse the ash and throw it back into the air.
• Use a suitable respirator N-95 or P-100 to prevent the inhalation of ash particles. Bandanas, surgical masks or fabric masks do not effectively block fine particles.
• Wear protective gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes to avoid skin contact with the ashes.
• Take off your shoes before entering your home, or use 'glue mats' at the entrances to remove dust and ash from your shoes. Adhesive carpets are sold in DIY stores.
• If you have ash on your skin, wash it as soon as possible.
• Do not let children play in the ashes and wash toys before children play with them.
• Keep pets away from the ash areas. Animals exposed to ashes must be cleaned or washed.

For more information on safe ash cleaning, visit the CRPD website .
Source: CRPD

Let's block the advertising! (Why?)