Resources and Public Warnings on Asbestos Exposure in the 2025 Los Angeles County Wildfires

LA County Public Health Warning

on Wildfire Smoke

Most buildings constructed before the early-1980s contain asbestos products of some kind.

Many buildings in Los Angeles Were Built In the 1970s or Earlier.

US Census Data on Communities Affected By LA Wildfires

Burning buildings can release asbestos fibers into the air.

Anyone breathing wildfire smoke may be inhaling asbestos fibers.

Asbestos fibers cause respiratory and digestive diseases:

lung cancer

mesothelioma

asbestosis

throat cancer

stomach cancer

colorectal canceer

ovarian cancer

LA Authorities recommend avoiding the outdoors during wildfires. Experts recommend that whenever possible you wear a respirator or at least an N95-rated mask.

If your home has been damaged, find out when it was built and if it underwent proper asbestos remediation.

LA City Buildings Records

LA Public Library How To Research a Building’s History