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Officials warn airborne toxicants in burned areas pose long-term health risks
Summary
Spokane County briefing said firefighters use full self-contained breathing apparatuses in hotspots because airborne hazardous materials can cause long-term health problems; the official urged people not to enter those areas.
Spokane County officials warned that even after flames subside, burned areas can contain airborne hazardous materials that pose health risks if inhaled.
The agency official said firefighters working inside affected areas are "wearing full self contained breathing apparatuses because of the hazardous materials that are airborne," and cautioned that inhalation might not be fatal immediately but "can cause serious health risks and death years later." The briefing described these substances as "very, very toxic and very, very dangerous to humans."
Officials said the presence of toxic hot spots is a major reason for delaying re-entry to homes that appear untouched and that public safety—not convenience—drives those decisions. Citizens were urged not to enter damaged areas and to heed evacuation orders.
