{"id":19300,"date":"2026-01-19T12:25:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T12:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena-new\/blog\/9-alarming-contaminants-were-still-finding-in-altadena-homes-one-year-after-the-wildfires\/"},"modified":"2026-01-21T12:01:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T12:01:21","slug":"9-alarming-contaminants-were-still-finding-in-altadena-homes-one-year-after-the-wildfires","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/blog\/9-alarming-contaminants-were-still-finding-in-altadena-homes-one-year-after-the-wildfires\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Surprising Contaminants We\u2019re Still Finding in Altadena Homes One Year After the Wildfires"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>One year after the smoke cleared, many homeowners in&nbsp;<strong>Altadena<\/strong>&nbsp;believe the wildfire chapter is behind them. Their homes look clean. The smell is gone. Some even completed professional remediation shortly after the fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And yet\u2014testing tells a different story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the months following the\u00a0<strong>Eaton Fire<\/strong>, and continuing into the year that followed, independent laboratory <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2025\/12\/29\/us\/insurers-smoke-damaged-homes-toxins.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">results from Altadena-area homes have repeatedly shown\u00a0<strong>persistent, invisible contamination<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0long after initial cleanup efforts were completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article explains&nbsp;<strong>what we\u2019re still finding one year later, why it matters for health and long-term habitability, and why wildfire remediation in Altadena requires a fundamentally different approach than most homeowners were offered early on<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Altadena Is Still Dealing With Wildfire Smoke Damage a Year Later<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Altadena\u2019s geography plays a major role in why smoke-related contamination has proven so persistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Foothill Topography and Smoke Deposition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Altadena sits directly in the path of downslope winds that can\u00a0<strong>trap and concentrate smoke plumes<\/strong>. During the Eaton Fire, smoke did not simply pass through\u2014it\u00a0<strong>lingered<\/strong>, increasing the likelihood of indoor infiltration and higher risk particles got deeply embedded in structural material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Older Housing Stock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many Altadena homes were built decades ago and feature:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Older construction materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Porous finishes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aging HVAC systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead paint<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Asbestos products <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These characteristics make homes more susceptible to&nbsp;<strong>deep particulate intrusion<\/strong>, especially when remediation focuses only on visible soot or odor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What We\u2019re Still Finding One Year Later<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important takeaway from post-fire testing in Altadena is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Wildfire smoke contamination does not always resolve with time or surface cleaning.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Persistent Heavy Metals (Including Lead)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Independent testing has identified&nbsp;<strong>trace heavy metals<\/strong>, including lead, in settled dust and HVAC components long after initial remediation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lead does not off-gas or evaporate. Once deposited, it remains until physically removed or isolated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Aldehydes Embedded in Porous Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Aldehydes\u2014commonly produced when plastics, furniture, and building materials burn\u2014are frequently found&nbsp;<strong>absorbed into drywall, insulation, and soft materials<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some homes, these compounds continue to off-gas intermittently, contributing to lingering indoor air quality complaints despite prior cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) That Re-Emerge Over Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>VOCs are particularly problematic because they can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Absorb into materials during the fire<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remain dormant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Re-emit months later as temperature and humidity change<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This explains why some Altadena homeowners report symptoms or odors&nbsp;<strong>long after they believed remediation was complete<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Battery-Related Elements Like Lithium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As electric vehicles, power tools, and consumer electronics become more common, lithium-related combustion byproducts are increasingly identified in wildfire smoke profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These particles are&nbsp;<strong>extremely fine<\/strong>&nbsp;and can bypass standard filtration methods used in early-stage cleanups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Cyanide-Related Combustion Compounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cyanide-related compounds can form when nitrogen-containing materials\u2014such as foams and plastics\u2014burn at high temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Importantly, cyanide is\u00a0<strong>almost never found alone<\/strong>. Its presence often signals a\u00a0<strong>broader mixture of combustion byproducts<\/strong>\u00a0that were never evaluated during initial remediation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Arsenic and Trace Industrial Elements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Arsenic has been identified in post-wildfire testing due to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Treated wood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stored pesticides<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial or garage-stored materials consumed by fire<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Its detection one year later underscores how incomplete remediation can leave behind&nbsp;<strong>long-term contamination reservoirs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Early Remediation Often Missed These Contaminants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the immediate aftermath of the Eaton Fire, remediation was often driven by urgency and limited information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most early cleanup efforts focused on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visible soot removal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Odor control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basic surface cleaning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>What was often missing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Comprehensive pre-testing and post-testing to confirm adequate remediation was done<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluation of HVAC systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessment of porous materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understanding of modern wildfire chemistry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, cleaning occurred&nbsp;<strong>before anyone knew what was actually present<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Considerations: Why This Still Matters a Year Later<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to be precise and responsible when discussing health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The concern for Altadena homeowners is&nbsp;<strong>not acute poisoning<\/strong>, but&nbsp;<strong>chronic, low-level exposure over time<\/strong>&nbsp;in a place where families live, sleep, and breathe daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From a physiological perspective, wildfire-related contaminants are relevant because they can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Irritate respiratory pathways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trigger inflammatory responses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contribute to ongoing indoor air quality issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>neurologic issues in children with chronic lead exposure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>contribute to cancer risk years down the line as some contaminants are known carcinogens<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Children, older adults, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions may be&nbsp;<strong>more sensitive to prolonged exposure<\/strong>, even at low levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why medical and environmental professionals emphasize&nbsp;<strong>evaluation and mitigation<\/strong>, not panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u201cBut My Home Was Already Remediated\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the most common\u2014and most important\u2014statements we hear from Altadena homeowners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it raises a critical question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Was remediation based on testing\u2014or assumptions?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Many homes that already underwent remediation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Were never tested at all<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Were tested for only one or two compounds like asbestos or lead<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Had cleaning methods applied uniformly, regardless of material type<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In wildfire restoration,&nbsp;<strong>what you don\u2019t test for can\u2019t be addressed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How PuroClean of Pasadena Is Different<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At&nbsp;<strong>PuroClean of Pasadena<\/strong>, our approach to wildfire smoke damage is intentionally different\u2014because the problem is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Physician-Owned, Evidence-Based Restoration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As the\u00a0<strong>only physician-owned restoration company serving  Southern California<\/strong>, our process is shaped by medical principles that prioritize:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Differential analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evidence before intervention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understanding exposure pathways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservative, safety-forward decision-making<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In medicine, you don\u2019t treat symptoms without understanding the cause.<br>In wildfire restoration, the same rule applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We Help Homeowners&nbsp;<em>After<\/em>&nbsp;Remediation Too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most important services we provide is&nbsp;<strong>post-remediation evaluation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We regularly assist homeowners who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Already had wildfire cleanup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Still have concerns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Want clarity, not guesswork<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Through&nbsp;<strong>independent, third-party testing<\/strong>, we help determine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What remains (if anything)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where it\u2019s located<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether further action is warranted<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the answer is reassuring.<br>Sometimes targeted remediation is needed.<br>Either way, decisions are based on data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Testing Changes Everything<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Testing transforms wildfire recovery from a cleaning problem into an&nbsp;<strong>evaluation problem<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It allows restoration teams to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Avoid unnecessary demolition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prevent under-remediation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect high-value finishes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support informed insurance decisions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most importantly, it replaces uncertainty with clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One Year Later: The Window Most Companies Ignore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many restoration companies move on once the visible work is done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One year later is often when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>VOCs re-emerge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seasonal changes affect off-gassing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Families notice subtle but persistent issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Altadena homeowners deserve support&nbsp;<strong>beyond the initial response window<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts: Clean Is Not the Same as Clear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Eaton Fire may feel like history\u2014but for many Altadena homes, its chemical footprint remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important lesson we\u2019ve learned over the past year is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visibility is not verification.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your Altadena home was exposed to wildfire smoke\u2014even if it was already remediated\u2014the responsible next step is not assumption, but evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/services\/fire-and-smoke-damage-restoration\/\">PuroClean of Pasadena<\/a>, we believe homeowners deserve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Answers grounded in data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A higher standard of care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A partner willing to go further than the bare minimum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That belief guides every wildfire project we take on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concerned About Your Altadena Home?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your property was exposed to wildfire smoke and you want clarity about what\u2014if anything\u2014remains, our team can help coordinate appropriate testing and guide next steps based on evidence, not fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Call us at <a href=\"tel:+16265141400\" class=\"phone-link\">(626) 514-1400<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Email: HPofficeLA@puroclean.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-puroclean-of-pasadena wp-block-embed-puroclean-of-pasadena\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"eQcRoO99Vg\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/blog\/heavy-metal-exposure-in-children-affected-by-autism-spectrum-disorder-remediation-for-top-10-toxic-contaminants-and-mold-in-southern-california\/\">Heavy Metal Exposure in Children Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Remediation for Top 10 Post Wildfire Toxic Contaminants and Mold in Southern California<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Heavy Metal Exposure in Children Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Remediation for Top 10 Post Wildfire Toxic Contaminants and Mold in Southern California&#8221; &#8212; PuroClean of Pasadena\" src=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/blog\/heavy-metal-exposure-in-children-affected-by-autism-spectrum-disorder-remediation-for-top-10-toxic-contaminants-and-mold-in-southern-california\/embed\/#?secret=ONusXIoxY1#?secret=eQcRoO99Vg\" data-secret=\"eQcRoO99Vg\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-puroclean-of-pasadena wp-block-embed-puroclean-of-pasadena\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"r7ysptePzB\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/blog\/7-hidden-contaminants-found-after-the-la-wildfires-and-why-proper-testing-matters-more-than-cleanup\/\">7 Hidden Contaminants Found After the LA Wildfires \u2014 And Why Proper Testing Matters Just As Much As Cleanup<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;7 Hidden Contaminants Found After the LA Wildfires \u2014 And Why Proper Testing Matters Just As Much As Cleanup&#8221; &#8212; PuroClean of Pasadena\" src=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/blog\/7-hidden-contaminants-found-after-the-la-wildfires-and-why-proper-testing-matters-more-than-cleanup\/embed\/#?secret=XePS2vsAL9#?secret=r7ysptePzB\" data-secret=\"r7ysptePzB\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One year after the smoke cleared, many homeowners in&nbsp;Altadena&nbsp;believe the wildfire chapter is behind them. Their homes look clean. The smell is gone. Some even completed professional remediation shortly after<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":986,"featured_media":0,"template":"","blog-category":[],"class_list":["post-19300","blog","type-blog","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/19300","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/986"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/19300\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/pasadena-ca-puroclean-pasadena\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=19300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}