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Environmental Newsletter

Vol. 14, No. 5 - May 2025

Wildfire Preparedness Week and Populations that Could Experience Greater Adverse Health Effects from Smoke

In California, the first week of May is recognized as Wildfire Preparedness Week. It is a time when the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and partner agencies share proactive ways that people, communities, and businesses can protect themselves and their property from the threat of wildfires.

Wildfires can indeed cause extensive damage due to their flames, but many more people are impacted by the smoke, especially when it comes to certain groups. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published information about certain life stages and populations that may be at greater risk of experiencing health effects due to wildfire smoke exposure. The agency warns these at-risk populations should be particularly diligent about limiting exposure to wildfire smoke because evidence indicates that the risk of fine particle-related health effects varies throughout a lifetime.

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Post Wildfire: Before You Rebuild or Conduct Landscaping, Consider Having Your Soil Tested for CAM 17 Metals

In response to the environmental risks posed by recent wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC) recommends homeowners, businesses, and industrial facilities consider soil testing for CAM 17 metals before beginning any rebuilding or landscaping efforts.

Urban wildfires often release harmful substances into the air, soil, and water, particularly from the burning of buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure. These fires can deposit dangerous levels of CAM 17 metals such as lead, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and mercury on surrounding properties.

Resources to Mitigate Occupational Exposure Risks to Mercury

Most people don’t recognize that they come in proximity to products and materials that may contain mercury on a regular basis, and that it only takes a small amount to pose a serious health risk.

In the workplace, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) cautions that mercury is utilized in many industries. It is used to produce chlorine gas and caustic soda, and in thermometers, barometers, batteries, and electrical switches. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also lists manometers, gauges, valves, and high-intensity discharge lamps, along with its use in preservatives, heat transfer technology, pigments, catalysts, and lubricating oils. Some water-based paints even used mercury as a preservative until its use was discontinued in 1991.

Upcoming Events Where CSC Professionals Will Present, Train, or Participate

DATE TOPIC - EVENT/ORGANIZATION - LOCATION

5/15 Lithium-Ion Batteries - City of Flagstaff - Flagstaff, AZ

5/22 Lithium-Ion Batteries - Daisy Mountain Fire Dept. - Cave Creek, AZ

5/27 Lithium-Ion Batteries - City of Tucson - Tucson, AZ

6/1-6/4 Second Responders - IAQA Annual Mtg. & Expo - Lexington, KY

6/6-6/8 Sewer Gas - CIRSx Surviving Mold Conf. - Tempe, AZ

6/10 EHS Support for Construction - Ogden & Co. - Milwaukee, WI

6/11 Lithium-Ion Batteries - City of Maricopa - Maricopa, AZ

Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC) is the preferred environmental consultant for healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, real estate professionals and municipalities. CSC provides air quality testing, monitoring, consulting and training services to reduce building occupant exposure to airborne pollutants and optimize indoor conditions.

Asbestos | Indoor Air Quality | Infectious Disease | Lead | Litigation Support

Mold | Occupational Health & Safety | Site Assessments | Water Quality Testing

Clark Seif Clark , Inc. (CSC)

800-807-1118

www.csceng.com

csc@csceng.com