Lifestyle

Wildfire smoke inside homes can create health risks that linger for months − tips for cleaning and staying safe

Wind-driven wildfires in Los Angeles released toxic chemicals from burned materials into homes, causing health symptoms like headaches and respiratory issues. Proper cleaning and protective measures are essential post-wildfire.

Published

2 months ago

January 10, 2025

The Conversation

file 20250109 15 8t4o51 — Smoke from several wind-driven wildfires spread through large parts of the Los Angeles area in early January 2025. AP Photo/Ethan Swope

Colleen E. Reid, University of Colorado Boulder

When wildfires spread into neighborhoods, they burn all kinds of materials found in cars and houses and everything around them – electronics, paint, plastics, furniture.

Research shows that the mix of chemicals released when human-made materials like these burn is different from what is emitted during a vegetation fire and is potentially more toxic. The smoke and ash can blow under doors and around windows in nearby homes, bringing in chemicals that are absorbed into furniture, walls and other indoor surfaces and continue off-gassing for weeks to months.

As people return to smoke-damaged homes after a wildfire, there are several steps they can take to protect their health before starting to clean.

Elevated levels of metals and VOCs

In 2021, after the Marshall Fire swept through neighborhoods near Boulder, Colorado, my colleagues and I at Colorado universities and labs heard from many residents who were worried about the ash and lingering smells inside their homes that had otherwise survived the flames.

In homes that my colleagues were able to quickly test, they found elevated levels of metals and PAHs – polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – in the ash. We also found elevated VOCs – volatile organic compounds – in airborne samples. Some VOCs, such as dioxins, benzene, formaldehyde and PAHs, can be toxic to humans. Benzene is a known carcinogen.

At the time, we could find no information about physical health implications for people who have returned to smoke-damaged homes after a wildfire. So, to look for patterns, we surveyed residents affected by the fire six months, one year and two years after the fire.

Even six months after the fire, we found that many people were reporting symptoms that aligned with health risks related to smoke and ash from fires.

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More than half (55%) reported that they were experiencing at least one symptom six months after the blaze that they attributed to the Marshall Fire. The most common symptoms reported were itchy or watery eyes (33%), headache (30%), dry cough (27%), sneezing (26%) and sore throat (23%).

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hjVnB/1

All of these symptoms, as well as having a strange taste in one’s mouth, were associated with people reporting that their home smelled differently when they returned to it one week after the fire.

Many survey respondents said that the smells decreased over time. Most attributed the improvement in smell to the passage of time, cleaning surfaces and air ducts, replacing furnace filters, and removing carpet, textiles and furniture from the home. Despite this, many still had symptoms.

We also found that living near a large number of burned structures was associated with these health symptoms. We found that for every 10 additional destroyed buildings within 820 feet (250 meters) of a person’s home, there was an associated 21% increase in headaches and a 26% increase in having a strange taste in their mouth.

These symptoms align with what could be expected from exposure to the chemicals that we found in the ash and measured in the air inside the few smoke-damaged homes that we were able to study in depth.

Lingering symptoms and questions

There are a still a lot of unanswered questions about the health risks from smoke- and ash-damaged homes.

For example, we don’t yet know what long-term health implications might look like for people living with lingering gases from wildfire smoke and ash in a home. We found a significant decline in the number of people reporting symptoms one year after the fire. However, 33% percent of the people whose homes were affected and responded to a later survey still reported at least one symptom that they attributed to the fire. About the same percentage also reported at least one symptom two years after the fire.

We also could not measure the level of VOCs or metals that each person was exposed to. But we do think that reports of a change in the smell of a person’s home one week after the fire demonstrates the likely presence of VOCs in the home. That likely has health implications for people whose homes are exposed to smoke or ash from a wildfire.

Tips to protect yourself after wildfires

Wildfires are increasingly burning homes and other structures as more people move into the wildland-urban interface, temperatures rise and fire seasons lengthen.

If your home survives a wildfire nearby, here are some of the steps to think about before starting to clean:

When you’re ready to clean your home, start by protecting yourself. Wear at least an N95 (or KN95) mask and gloves, goggles and clothing that covers your skin. Cleaning can send some of those gases and ash into the air again.
Keep people with heart or lung diseases, older adults, pregnant women, children and pets away from cleanup activities.
Vacuum floors, drapes and furniture. A recent scientific study documents how cleaning all surfaces within a home can reduce reservoirs of VOCs and lower indoor air concentrations of VOCs. Once the air outside has cleared, open windows to let clean air in.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners because they can react with the chemicals in the ash.
Clean your HVAC filter and ducts to avoid spreading ash further, and change filters monthly until the smell is gone. Portable air cleaners with carbon filters can help remove VOCs and particles.
If your car smells of smoke, consider changing the cabin air filter.

This is an update to an article first published Dec. 23, 2024.

Colleen E. Reid, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Colorado Boulder

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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expo

Exciting Collaboration: Ketone Labs & Blue Pacific Flavors Unite to Transform Functional Beverages at Expo West 2025!

Published

3 days ago

March 4, 2025

Charles Elliot

Ketone Labs, a leader in beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) innovation, has partnered with Blue Pacific Flavors, a premier expert in natural flavor solutions, to pioneer goBHB®-powered functional beverages & nutritional products.

PRNewswire

March 4-7, 2025, marks a momentous occasion in the world of innovation at Expo West, and we’re thrilled to share the exciting news about the strategic partnership between two pioneers: Ketone Labs and Blue Pacific Flavors. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the functional beverage landscape with the introduction of goBHB®-powered drinks, combining science-backed formulation with mouthwatering flavors.

What’s Buzzing at Expo West?

Set in the vibrant city of Anaheim, California, Expo West 2025 is the place to be for industry professionals and health enthusiasts alike. Visitors can look forward to an exclusive sneak peek at groundbreaking non-stimulant energy beverages that harness the power of goBHB®. These innovative drinks stand out by delivering clean, sustained energy without the jitters associated with caffeine or taurine.

The Power of goBHB®: Fueling a Healthier Future

At the core of this partnership is goBHB®, a game-changing innovation that promises to uplift our daily wellness routines. Here’s a breakdown of what makes these beverages stand out:

Brain Health: The cognitive benefits of goBHB® are remarkable! It enhances mental clarity and focus, making it perfect for those long workdays or study sessions.
Gut Health: With specially designed formulations that support the microbiome, these beverages are as much about feeling good on the inside as they are about revitalizing your energy levels.
Metabolic Energy: goBHB® serves as a rapid source of fuel, enabling endurance and performance, whether you’re hitting the gym or navigating a busy day.

Meet Our Innovators

Industry veterans Donald F. Wilkes, CEO of Blue Pacific Flavors, and Rob C. Rogers, Founder of Ketone Labs, are enthusiastic about this partnership and the future it holds. With Donald’s extensive experience in flavor science and beverage formulation and Rob’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of metabolic health, this collaboration is set to redefine expectations.

“In my 40+ years in the industry, I have never seen a technology as transformative as goBHB®,” Wilkes stated. “It’s a game-changer in metabolic health, offering a science-backed, clean-energy solution that fits today’s functional beverage landscape.”

Echoing this sentiment, Rob C. Rogers shared, “goBHB® is revolutionizing the industry, and our partnership with Blue Pacific Flavors is pivotal in unlocking its full potential.”

Tantalizing Taste Meets Cutting-Edge Science

One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the introduction of several unique and innovative flavored products, all developed by Blue Pacific Flavors. The day is coming when functional health drinks aren’t just good for you—they’ll taste fantastic too!

Will you be attending Expo West 2025? Be sure to visit Booth #4373 for a chance to sample these extraordinary beverages and see firsthand how goBHB® can integrate into your lifestyle. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the experts behind these innovations and learn more about the intersection of delicious flavor and health-conscious formulation.

Join Us on This Journey!

As we embark on this exciting journey in functional nutrition, we invite you to stay connected and follow along. Together, Ketone Labs and Blue Pacific Flavors are committed to delivering the next generation of delicious, effective, and innovative products tailored to modern consumer needs.

Let’s Change the Way We Think About Nutrition

Join us at Expo West 2025, and be part of the exciting new wave of functional beverages that promote brain health, gut health, and metabolic energy without compromising on flavor. The future of wellness awaits—let’s explore it together! 🥤✨

For more updates, follow us on our social media channels and explore the fascinating world of goBHB® and its incredible potential! See you in Anaheim!

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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Charles Elliot

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health and wellness

Urban Remedy Disrupts the $5.1B Shakes Market with First-of-Its-Kind Organic Protein Collagen Shake

Published

4 days ago

March 3, 2025

Daily News Staff

Made with 30g protein, 10g grass fed collagen and 0g added sugar.

POINT RICHMOND, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Urban Remedy, a leader in certified organic freshly prepared ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and cold-pressed juices, announces its launch of organic high protein collagen meal replacement shakes. Fueled by surging consumer demand for clean protein and collagen, Urban Remedy‘s decision to launch this trendsetting innovation is made possible with a first to market source of organic bovine collagen peptides from sustainably raised grass-fed cowhides.

Now available in Whole Foods Market, the Organic Protein Collagen Shakes come in two delicious flavors that deliver unmatched nutritional benefits, Chocolate with 30g of protein, and Vanilla with 28g of protein. They both include 10g of organic collagen to support hair, skin, nail and joint health. The type 1 and type 3 collagen peptides are hydrolyzed for optimal absorption and provide 18 amino acids. There is 0g added sugar per bottle. Instead, the drinks are naturally sweetened with date, plant-based stevia extract and monk fruit extract offering an uncompromisingly delicious taste.

“The demand for high protein and clean eating continues to grow, fueled by busy lifestyles and an increasing understanding that food is medicine.” said Steven Naccarato, CEO, Urban Remedy. “As a fast-growing leader in functional food and beverage, we’re committed to transforming the way people fuel their bodies.”

“Consumers want foods that taste amazing with less sugar and real, nutrient dense ingredients,” said Neka Pasquale, Founder and Chief Product Officer of Urban Remedy. “Our products are 100% clean, and we specially choose certified organic ingredients for their healing properties, such as organic grass-fed collagen. As a brand we never include inflammatory ingredients like dairy, gluten, refined sugar or any artificial ingredients.”

The Organic Protein Collagen Shakes are now available in Urban Remedy’s grab & go kiosks in Whole Foods Market, online on Whole Foods Market on Amazon and retail for $9.99 for a 16oz bottle.

For more information about Urban Remedy, visit www.urbanremedy.com. Find a store near you at ww.urbanremedy.com/locations/

About Urban Remedy

Urban Remedy creates delicious, clean and convenient organic foods that embody the belief that food is healing. All of Urban Remedy‘s freshly prepared meals, refrigerated snacks and cold-pressed juices are certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free to support an anti-inflammatory diet and are thoughtfully crafted with every ingredient chosen for its healing properties. Urban Remedy believes that business can be a force for good and is a certified B corporation meeting rigorous standards of environmental and social performance, accountability and transparency. Urban Remedy is sold in over 370 Whole Foods Market locations and in other retailers including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, QFC, Fry’s, King Soopers, Andronico’s, Raley’s and more. www.urbanremedy.com.

Source: SPINS MULO + Natural Channel, Protein & Meal Replacement Liquid Subcategory, L52W ending 1/26/25

SOURCE Urban Remedy

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The Bridge

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Patricia Era Bath: A Trailblazer in Ophthalmology and Beyond

Published

5 days ago

March 1, 2025

Lynette Young, Rod Washington

In a world where innovation often shapes the future, few have left as profound a mark as Dr. Patricia Era Bath. Born on November 4, 1942, Dr. Bath transcended boundaries, redefining what it means to be a pioneer in medicine and a champion for the underserved. Her journey is not just a testament to her incredible intellect and skill as an ophthalmologist, but also to her unwavering commitment to humanitarianism and social justice.

Patricia Bath — Changing the face of Medicine (Wikipedia)

A Visionary in Ophthalmology

Dr. Bath was not only a skilled surgeon; she was a revolutionary. As one of the early pioneers of laser cataract surgery, her work has changed the lives of countless individuals worldwide. The development of this innovative technique not only improved patient outcomes but also symbolized a turning point in ophthalmic surgery. With her groundbreaking achievements, Dr. Bath illustrated that the intersection of science and compassion could embody the essence of healthcare.

Her trailblazing career included being the first woman inducted as a member of the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute and the first woman to lead a post-graduate training program in ophthalmology. Moreover, her remarkable journey culminated in her becoming the first African-American woman on the staff at the UCLA Medical Center, where she pushed boundaries in a field historically dominated by men.

A Legacy of Firsts

Dr. Bath’s legacy is marked by her groundbreaking “firsts.” She was the first African-American person to complete residency in ophthalmology at New York University and the first African-American woman to serve as a surgeon at UCLA Medical Center. Even more impressive is her achievement of becoming the first African-American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical invention, holding five patents in total.

Among her most notable contributions is the founding of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in Washington, D.C., where she tirelessly worked to raise awareness and address disparities in access to eye care. Dr. Bath’s pioneering spirit extended beyond her profession; she propelled an entire generation toward a future where access to quality medical treatment is a right, not a privilege.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Dr. Bath’s humanitarian work extended to advocacy as she sought to illuminate the challenges faced by marginalized communities in achieving equitable healthcare. In 2009, she was honored to stand beside President Barack Obama, recognizing her contributions in ophthalmology and serving on his commission for digital accessibility to blind children. Her efforts highlighted the pressing need for inclusivity in healthcare, technology, and education—echoing her steadfast belief that everyone deserves access to the tools that enhance sight and learning.

In April 2019, just weeks before her passing, Dr. Bath shared her insights during a Senate hearing titled “Trailblazers and Lost Einsteins: Women Inventors and the Future of American Innovation.” Her testimony shed light on the gender disparities in STEM fields and the crucial need for recognition and support of female inventors. Even in her final days, she was a beacon of hope and progress.

Remembering Dr. Patricia Bath

Dr. Patricia Era Bath passed away on May 30, 2019, due to cancer-related complications, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of resilience, empathy, and innovation. At age 76, she had changed the very fabric of medicine while reminding us of the vital importance of diversity in healthcare.

As we celebrate Dr. Bath’s life, let us remember her not only for her remarkable achievements but also for the path she has paved for future generations. Her legacy lives on, reminding us that the fight for equity in healthcare is far from over and that the spirit of innovation fuels our collective journey toward progress.

In honor of Dr. Bath, let us continue her mission to advance healthcare for all, celebrate diversity in all its forms, and strive to make the world a more equitable place—for sight, for education, and for justice. Rest in peace, Dr. Patricia Era Bath. Your vision changed the world, and you will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer.

Patricia Bath (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Bath

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