The Overview

If your home survived a wildfire but sat in the smoke and ash, it may still be contaminated with lead, asbestos, pesticides or other toxins, even after professional cleaning. California's Assembly Bill 1642, the Wildfires: contamination standards bill, became law when Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed it Sept. 15. ​

The Associated Press reported that testing in one Altadena home found lead on living-room and bedroom floors even after professional cleaning, and that toxic ash from burned homes and vehicles raised concerns for children as schools in Los Angeles reopened. The bill is operative only if AB 1795 is enacted and takes effect on or before Jan. 1, 2027.

What the Law Does

The law directs the Department of Toxic Substances Control, working with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and other agencies, to develop regulations for lead and asbestos testing, cleanup and restoration after a wildfire by Dec. 31, 2028. The State Air Resources Board must publish guidance on indoor air contaminants from residential smoke damage by the same deadline.

By Dec. 31, 2029, the department must also publish guidance covering contaminants beyond lead and asbestos. The department must develop advisory guidance for schools after a wildfire, with the State Department of Education, by July 1, 2028. Until the new regulations are in place, existing lead and asbestos standards apply for wildfire-related remediation.

Legislative Status

Asm. John Harabedian (D) authored the bill. Co-authors include Sen. Ben Allen (D), Asm. Jacqui Irwin (D), Asm. Darsh Patel (D) and Sen. Sasha Pérez (D). The Assembly passed the bill 59 to 3 on May 27. The Senate passed it 29 to 2 on Aug. 31, and the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments 61 to 1 the same day.

Harabedian said the bill "will set a new national precedent on scientific standards for clearing a home for occupancy after a wildfire," according to the governor's announcement. The California Association of Public Insurance Adjusters and other trade associations filed formal opposition, CalMatters reported.

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