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From page 105... ... Finding: VOCs have been found in distribution systems in two incidents related to WUI fires in California, and other chemicals have been identified in water systems after wildland fires. Research need: Research is needed to further characterize potential chemical contamination to water resources (both surface waters and distribution systems) Read the entire page →
From page 106... ... Typical fire suppressants used for wildland and WUI fires are the Class A suppressants. Class A fire suppressants contain foaming and wetting agents. Read the entire page →
From page 107... ... As with water contamination, published data on soil contamination directly related to WUI fires are scarce. The literature on wildland fires and soil contamination includes examples of contamination due to different organic and inorganic compounds, such as PAHs and metals. Read the entire page →
From page 108... ... Wildland fires have been identified as a substantial contributor to the atmospheric deposition of some species. They are the largest contributor to the dry deposition of reactive nitrogen (ammonia and nitrogen dioxide) Read the entire page →
From page 109... ... 2014. "Wildfire and the Future of Water Supply." Environmental Science & Technology 48(16) Read the entire page →
From page 110... ... 2006. "Evolution of the Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Burnt Woodland Soils." Environmental Science & Technology 40(3) Read the entire page →
From page 111... ... 2000. "A Review of the Current Status of Knowledge on Dry Deposition." Atmospheric Environment 34(12–14) Read the entire page →
From page 112... ... 2022. "Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Occurrence in Forest Soils in Response to Fires: A Summary Across Sites." Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts 24(1) Read the entire page →
From page 113... ... This chapter begins by identifying chemicals and other pollutants of concern for human exposure and describing populations who may be more vulnerable to the impacts of WUI fires, and those who experience environmental injustice and health inequities. The next section describes what is known about routes of exposure, followed by a discussion of the acute and chronic health impacts for all near- and far-field populations, with a dedicated section on exposures and impacts for firefighters. Read the entire page →
From page 114... ... : Inhalable particles with diameters equal to or less than 10 micrometers in diameter Environmental justice: A social movement developed in response to environmental racism; environmental justice research and practice involves identifying the disproportionate health burdens that populations experi ence from environmental exposures and social vulnerabilities, and focusing on solutions to alleviate those burdens in partnership with affected communities Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) : Airborne particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less, small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, posing risks to human health Health equity: Identifying health disparities between populations that are driven largely by social, economic, and environmental factors, and focusing on solutions to eliminate those disparities Particulate matter (PM) Read the entire page →
From page 115... ... 30569-X. CHEMICALS OF CONCERN FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE Wildland fires are major sources of organic and inorganic gases and aerosols containing ultrafine particles (0.1 μm or less) Read the entire page →
From page 116... ... Ozone (O3) Inhalation Acute and chronic respiratory symptoms NEPHT, 2020 including coughing and exacerbation of chronic diseases such as bronchitis and asthma; increased risk of pulmonary infections Particulate matter (PM) Read the entire page →
From page 117... ... acrolein, benzene, toluene, Ingestion toxicity; neurotoxicity; respiratory irritation; ethylbenzene, para-xylene, odorants ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, styrene, naphthalene; complex mixtures of VOCs are classified as total VOCs, and some are not toxic Other emission and Per- or polyfluoroalkyl Inhalation Cancer; respiratory and developmental toxicity NTP, 2016 transformation products substances (PFASs) , including Ingestion that are currently perfluorooctane sulfate and unidentified perfluorooctanoic acid Reactive oxygen species, including peroxides (R-O O-R) Read the entire page →
From page 118... ... . Additionally, low-income housing units are less likely to have adequate cooling systems to allow them to keep windows closed during the summer heat when wildland fires and WUI fires are typically occurring (HHS, 2018) Read the entire page →
From page 119... ... • Less access to resources (e.g., quality health care) • Barriers to receiving language- and culturally appropriate care Low-Income Communities • Fewer resources and means to evacuate Rudolph et al., 2018; Reid et al., • Less access to indoor spaces with air cleaners and air cooling 2016a; Brim et al., 2008 • Higher burden of asthma and cardiovascular disease • Existing health disparities • Lack of safety nets for missing work Rural Communities • Less municipal infrastructure, including access to drinking Rudolph et al., 2018 water and safe spaces • Lack of extensive evacuation routes • Fewer environmental monitoring units available • Less access to indoor spaces with air cleaners and cooling • Existing health disparities Unhoused/Homeless • Lack of access to multiple basic resources Rudolph et al., 2018 Communities • Existing health disparities People with One or More • Fewer resources and less means to evacuate Rudolph et al., 2018 Disabilities • Inadequate community infrastructure • Less mobility and ability to assess risks Occupation-Based Vulnerability Wildland Firefighters and • Lack of personal protective equipment during firefighting Rothman et al., 1991; Fent et al., Emergency Responders • Live and/or work in active fire zone 2017; Navarro et al., 2019 (e.g., Emergency Health • Some states use incarcerated populations for firefighting Care Personnel) Read the entire page →

From page 105...

... Finding: VOCs have been found in distribution systems in two incidents related to WUI fires in California, and other chemicals have been identified in water systems after wildland fires. Research need: Research is needed to further characterize potential chemical contamination to water resources (both surface waters and distribution systems)