Whenever a building or object containing chlorinated chemicals catches fire – this includes the “controlled explosion” of the derailed Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio – dioxins and other deadly compounds are released. However, typically speaking, very little attention is given to this toxic release.
Concerning structure fires, the federal government is primarily focused on asbestos and lead, all the while ignoring the threat of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), other heavy metals, particulate matter, and dioxin release.
“When newer homes or buildings suffer fire damage, testing for any kind of hazardous substance is typically deemed unnecessary,” explain Briana C. Scott and Sean Scott, writing for R&R.
“Occasionally, testing will be conducted for the presence of soot, char, or ash in structures near wildfire areas. However, it is almost unheard of for this type of testing to be performed to identify the composition of the combustion byproducts to determine whether any hazardous substances are present.”
Dioxins are a combustion byproduct that falls squarely into this overlooked category of post-fire chemical testing. The authorities will test for other things, but will rarely address the biggest elephant in the room: dioxins.
“Post-structure fire and wildfire settings, especially those where
plastics, synthetic materials, electronics, or PVC have burned,
extremely hazardous and carcinogenic chemicals are created that are
typically overlooked altogether,” the Scotts add....<<<Read More>>>>