Overview
- Community group Eaton Fire Residents United released compiled lab results from 50 Altadena-area homes indicating widespread contamination after cleaning, with 96% of tested homes showing lead and about 36% testing positive for asbestos.
- Asbestos testing was conducted in only about half the homes and some providers used less-sensitive methods, underscoring uneven post-fire testing and cleanup practices across companies and policies.
- Among six homes analyzed for additional heavy metals, all had chromium, barium, copper and zinc present, adding to concerns about lingering indoor hazards.
- Advocates are urging a clearance-before-occupancy standard, insurer-covered testing and multiple remediations, extended temporary housing benefits, and an official 'ash zone' designation to recognize contamination beyond the burn perimeter.
- Los Angeles County Public Health says it has not reviewed the full report and will evaluate it with the Environmental Health Impacts Work Group, as some displaced residents return home with housing funds running out and Rep. Judy Chu backs the proposed standards.