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OEHHA Emergency Response Reports

Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials, July 2008

The Guide, written in part by OEHHA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and the Missoula County Health Department, focuses on the composition of smoke, potential health effects, effects on sensitive populations, and recommendations for protective measures.

Sacramento Trestle Fire 2007

On March 15, 2007, a wooden train trestle caught fire northeast of downtown Sacramento, California. The fire spread quickly, and by 6:30 pm approximately 1300 feet of the trestle were engulfed in flame. The trestle, largely constructed of creosote-treated wood ties and structural beams, continued to burn uncontained for 48 hours.

This report discusses the public health impacts from the Sacramento Trestle Fire and provides an analysis of air quality data.

Safe Cleanup of Fire Ash

The fires in Southern California raised questions about the possible dangers from contact with ash. Fire ash from forest fires is relatively nontoxic and similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace. However, any ash may contain small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals. Also, ash may irritate the skin and respiratory system, and possibly trigger an asthma attack in those who have asthma (whether they've been diagnosed or not).

This report summarizes safe methods of ash cleanup.

Clandestine Drug Labs

The clandestine synthesis of methamphetamine (meth) and other illegal drugs is a growing public health and environmental concern. Follow this link to see fact sheets and technical support documents about the potential health and environmental dangers of chemicals found in meth labs.