People who have returned to their homes that survived the Los Angeles wildfires may be at risk of getting sick from exposure to toxic materials, according to an attorney who handled thousands of 9/11 victims and their families.
Attorney Michael Barasch told KNX News’ Jon Baird residents in fire zones should have their homes checked.
“Because, was your air conditioning system on? If so, it was sucking in all the toxic dust. So you need to make sure your house is really properly decontaminated,” he said.
Barasch said even if it’s late, it’s better to still have your home checked now than not at all. He’s not as worried about homes that are in the process of being rebuilt.
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“I'm worried about the people who moved back into their homes that were not damaged by the fire,” he said.
He recommended that residents in the fire zones be checked by a pulmonologist and a dermatologist. UCLA Health experts said long-term threats to lung health, mental well-being, and overall community wellness remain more than a year after the fires.
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