UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI), in collaboration with UL Standards and Engagement, releases new guidance for communities at risk of fire in wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. did. An estimated 70,000 communities and 45 million homes are at risk of being destroyed by wildfires. Additionally, WUI fires pose significant health risks. The smoke produced by a WUI fire can contain a mixture of contaminants, including combustion gases, organic and inorganic metal complexes, volatile organic compounds, and numerous reaction products. WUI wildfire plumes carry the risk of inhaling dust and ash, ingesting contaminated water, and absorbing pollutants through skin contact.
This new guidance, “UL 200C Guidance and Practical Strategies to Reduce the Public Health Impact of Wildland-Urban Fires on Local Populations” (Guide), will help homeowners, building managers, and the general public. Provides methods for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from fires. Prevent fires from occurring while protecting the health of your family and building occupants.
Wildfires in the United States are becoming larger, more frequent, more destructive, and more harmful. In addition to the combustion products of forest biomass, synthetic materials from our homes, buildings, and automobiles also add heavily polluting air emissions. Residues containing toxic substances such as carcinogens and neurotoxins – in our atmosphere. Taking steps to reduce exposure is critical to protecting people’s current and future health, and this guide is a powerful step forward. ”
Dr. Marilyn Black, CIRI Vice President and Senior Technical Advisor
To produce this guide, a unique task force was formed – known as the Protection of Community Health (PCH) Taskforce -; An agreement was reached to develop this guidance designed for affected communities.
“The task force felt that this guide was a public health necessity,” said Christopher P. Weiss, Ph.D., chair and scientific chair of the Wyeth School of Toxicology and a member of the task force. . “With millions of people affected by these disasters, including children and residents with limited resources, this timely information is important for public health officials, community planners, and neighbors to help protect their homes and communities. It helps keep buildings, families, and citizens safe.”
Topics covered in this guide include: WUI Fire Overview. Understand the risks before a WUI fire. Protect indoor air quality. Steps to protect your home and buildings. What to do during a WUI fire; cleaning strategies to reduce hazardous exposure. Procedures for monitoring air and water quality.
The complete guidance document is available at UL200C_Public-Health-Impacts-of-WUI-Fires.pdf (wildfirehealthrisks.org).
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Chemical Insight Research Institute
