LA Schools Reopen Amid Wildfire Aftermath: Parents Fear Harmful Ash Exposure
Concerns Grow Over Toxic Ash and Air Quality in Los Angeles Schools
As schools in Los Angeles reopen following the devastating Palisades Fire, parents are voicing concerns over lingering toxic ash that could pose serious health risks to their children. Despite reassurances from school officials that campuses have been thoroughly cleaned and air quality is being monitored, many families remain uneasy about sending students back into potentially hazardous environments.
Parents Witness Ash Residue Inside Classrooms
Kelli Ferrone, a parent with two daughters attending Canyon Charter Elementary School—located just half a mile from the fire—took it upon herself to inspect the cleanliness of the school before reopening. What she found was troubling.
Using cotton swabs and wipes, Ferrone collected thick black residue from window sills and blinds. She also recorded videos showing scattered ash inside the school and soot-covered playgrounds, sharing her findings with The Associated Press.
Weeks after the flames subsided, Ferrone and other parents worry about the potential health consequences of their children being exposed to toxic materials from burned homes, cars, and vegetation.
“The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has never faced a disaster of this magnitude,” Ferrone said. “I do think they are trying hard, but our school needs a temporary relocation until it is truly safe for children to return.”
LAUSD Responds, But Doubts Remain
In response to the concerns, LAUSD issued a statement emphasizing that staff had worked diligently to ensure a safe return to in-person learning. Measures taken include:
Ventilation System Inspections – HVAC systems checked and air filters replaced.
Air Purifiers Installed – Classrooms and offices equipped with filtration systems.
Comprehensive Cleaning – Indoor and outdoor spaces thoroughly cleaned.
Environmental Testing – Third-party consultants assessing air quality and ash contamination.
Additionally, some schools, including Canyon Charter, remain under a “do not drink water” advisory, meaning fountains are shut off, and students are provided with bottled water.
Despite these efforts, some parents feel the district has not done enough to guarantee safety.
Health Experts Warn of Long-Term Risks
Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, acknowledged that LAUSD is taking appropriate precautions but warned that “there’s no zero risk.”
Wildfire ash is a toxic mixture of burned materials, including:
Plastics and Electronics – Release heavy metals and dioxins.
Building Materials and Paints – Contain lead, asbestos, and other carcinogens.
Burned Vehicles and Batteries – Emit harmful chemicals and reactive compounds.
“Children are particularly vulnerable because they frequently put their hands in their mouths, and their bodies are still developing,” Patel explained. “Even small amounts of exposure could have long-term health effects.”
Certain chemical compounds formed during fires have been linked to heart disease, lung conditions, and neurological issues such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Parents Demand Transparency on Testing and Cleaning
For Emily Stough, a Pasadena mother of two, sending her children back to Blair High School was a difficult decision. While she appreciates the Pasadena Unified School District’s efforts—removing 38 tons of debris from campuses and conducting environmental testing—she wants more clarity.
“Did they test air quality inside and outside the school? Were ash samples collected from hallways or just the playground?” Stough questioned. “I’d like to see detailed reports to know what cleaning was done.”
Lingering Ash and Environmental Concerns
Experts say it’s difficult to predict how long the toxic ash will remain in the environment. The Santa Ana winds could carry fine particles into soil, groundwater, and even inside buildings long after the flames are extinguished.
Dr. Ilan Shapiro, medical affairs officer for AltaMed and a fellow at the American Academy of Pediatrics, warns that plastics burned in the wildfires could persist in the environment for months or even years.
“And we have to remember,” Shapiro added, “the fires are still burning in some areas, so new contaminants are still being released into the air.”
Some Parents Opt to Keep Their Kids Home
Tanya Reyes, whose home near Pasadena was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, has decided against sending her children back to Longfellow Elementary School when it reopens next week.
“My gut is saying ‘no,’” Reyes said. “Even with the safety measures in place, I don’t feel comfortable having them in that environment yet.”
Her family is currently staying in West Hollywood while she searches for temporary schooling options or considers homeschooling.
Balancing Safety and Education
For many families, the decision to send their children back to school is a difficult one. While concerns over exposure to toxic ash are valid, experts like Dr. Patel remind parents that prolonged absences from school can also negatively impact children.
“When kids miss school, it affects their mental health, academic development, and social connections,” Patel said. “It’s a tough balance between safety and ensuring they don’t fall behind in their education.”
As Los Angeles schools move forward with reopening, parents continue to push for more transparency, stricter safety measures, and alternative learning options to ensure their children’s health is not put at risk.
Source : Swifteradio.com
