Dangers of Soil Contamination in Wake of Wildfire

When the flames die down after a wildfire, most of the visible damage, including burned homes, blackened landscapes, and displaced families, is easy to see. 

But some of the danger that remains in the soil, air, and debris can be harder to spot. 

A recent report shared an example of this problem, detailing how researchers found toxic metals lingering in the air of the Pacific Palisades after nearby wildfires. These pollutants, invisible to the naked eye, can settle into soil and dust, putting residents at risk long after the fire trucks leave.

This discovery is not unique to California’s Palisades. Communities recovering from disasters like the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, and the more recent Hawaii wildfires have faced similar concerns. Alongside metals, asbestos can be a serious issue in the aftermath. Once deemed a “miracle mineral” for industry and used extensively in building construction, the toxin is now a well-known carcinogen.

Lessons from Paradise and Maui

The Camp Fire in Paradise destroyed nearly 19,000 structures in just a few days. Cleanup revealed not only ash and rubble, but also high levels of heavy metals and asbestos fibers scattered across properties. A similar challenge is now unfolding in Maui, where burned homes and businesses are being examined for asbestos-containing ash documented by environmental experts.

The parallels between these communities show that wildfires are more than natural disasters. They’re chemical events that release contaminants from everything that burns. Plastics, treated wood, household products, and older building materials all contribute to the toxic aftermath.

Why Soil Contamination Matters

When wildfires sweep through neighborhoods, they leave behind more than visible destruction. Beneath the ash and rubble, soil often holds hidden toxins that can continue to affect health and safety long after the fire is out. The nature of these toxins—often easily scattered about and sometimes invisible to the naked eye—make the issue even more concerning.

Contaminants Don’t Stay Put

Toxic metals and asbestos fibers settle into soil after a fire, but they don’t stay locked there. Wind can stir them back into the air, and rain can wash them into groundwater. Children playing outside, pets digging, or even gardening activities can stir up contaminated particles.

Invisible but Harmful

Asbestos is particularly dangerous because the fibers are microscopic. They have no smell or taste. Particles from old infrastructure scatter about during wildfires, settling to the ground undetected. It is very difficult to remove all asbestos from the site in the aftermath, leaving lingering fibers that can be easily kicked back into the air time and again. Once airborne, asbestos can be inhaled without notice, over time leading to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Legacy Asbestos in Older Communities

One of the biggest contributors to post-wildfire asbestos exposure is the legacy asbestos still evident in buildings constructed prior to the mid-1980s. Asbestos was heavily used in insulation, floor tiles, shingles, cement, and many other building products. Its durability and resistance to heat made it a favorite for construction. Unfortunately, these same qualities make it harmful today.

Most state regulations do not require private property owners to remove asbestos.

When older homes or buildings burn, the asbestos within them breaks down into fine particles. Because asbestos fibers are so small and resilient, they can float in the air for long periods and settle widely in surrounding soil. Environmental advocates have warned that neighborhoods with older housing face greater exposure after fires than newer developments.

The Debate Over Soil Testing

Not all government agencies commit to large-scale soil testing after wildfires. In fact, recent reports in the media have revealed that federal officials declined to test soil in some cleanup areas, raising concerns that contamination may be left unmeasured and untreated.

Hiding Your Head in the Soil

This puts residents in a difficult position. Without widespread testing, many people may not know if their property is safe to reoccupy or garden on. Community health experts have emphasized the importance of involving universities and independent labs in filling these gaps. For example, Oregon State University has documented community-level concerns and response strategies following major fires in their research archives.

Children and Vulnerability

Children are often the most vulnerable to wildfire-related contamination. Their lungs are still developing, and they tend to play on the ground where soil particles are most likely to be disturbed. Public health experts have called for stronger protections, including specific cleanup standards around schools and playgrounds. Advocates in California have urged parents to be cautious about ash and dust that can contain asbestos.

Rebuilding a Community Safely

Rebuilding after wildfire is not just about replacing homes but ensuring that communities are safe from ongoing environmental issues. Environmental journalists have written extensively on what it takes to regrow a community after wildfire, stressing that recovery should balance speed with thorough cleanup. Rushing through debris removal without addressing asbestos and soil contamination can set families up for long-term health issues.

The Importance of Preemptive Removal

While wildfires can’t always be prevented, some of their toxic aftermath can be reduced. One key strategy is preemptive asbestos removal in older buildings. Removing asbestos before disaster strikes can lower the risk of harmful exposure when fire hits.

As tempting as it may be for homeowners to handle small projects on their own, asbestos removal should only be done by licensed abatement professionals. Attempting to remove asbestos without training and protective gear can release more fibers into the air, causing significant exposure. Guidance from asbestos advocates emphasizes the risks and remedies of asbestos removal, reminding property owners that a professional job is the safest option. Licensed contractors follow strict protocols for containment and disposal, ensuring the safety of anyone on site.

Beyond Wildfires: Other Disasters Spread Asbestos

Although wildfires highlight the problem vividly, they are not the only disasters that stir up asbestos. Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes can also damage old flooring, roofing, and insulation, scattering fibers. After Hurricane Katrina and other major storms, cleanup crews found asbestos embedded in carpets and flooring debris, a reminder that any disaster involving older housing stock carries hidden dangers well-documented in case reviews.

The Road Ahead

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change, stretching the limits of emergency response systems. As scientists, health officials, and communities continue to learn from disasters like Paradise, Maui, and the Palisades, it’s become apparent that recovery is not only about rebuilding structures but also about addressing the invisible contaminants left behind.

Communities must weigh the risks of toxic metals, asbestos, and other pollutants when planning their future. Some of these risks can be reduced by taking proactive steps, like asbestos removal, while others require broader policy changes and more consistent testing standards across the board. Without those measures, soil contamination will remain a silent danger long after the flames are gone.