At a Glance
- The January 7, 2025 wildfires killed 31 people and destroyed nearly 17,000 structures.
- Altadena homes still contain dangerous levels of lead and asbestos.
- Residents are fighting insurance companies for proper clean-ups.
- Why it matters: lingering toxins threaten health while rebuilding continues.
After the devastating 2025 wildfires that scorched the Los Angeles area, many Altadena residents find their homes still saturated with lead, asbestos, and other hazardous ash. While official clean-ups have removed visible soot, testing shows dangerous contaminants remain, and insurance coverage for deeper remediation is limited.
Lingering Toxicity in Altadena Homes
A sign reading “DANGER: Lead Work Area” hangs on a front door, warning that smoke and ash have left lead and other toxins in wooden floors and dust. Nina and Billy Malone, who moved back in August after insurance cut off rental assistance, report sore throats, headaches, and a persistent ash smell that they attribute to unregulated contaminants.
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Magnetite
- Pesticides
- Plastics
- Heavy metals
Data from the Eaton Fire Residents United
The volunteer group’s November report, based on self-submitted data from 50 homeowners, shows that 6 of 10 homes still have dangerous asbestos or lead. Of the 50 homes, 63% have lead levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s standard, with an average lead level almost 60x higher than the rule.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Homes with dangerous lead/asbestos | 6 of 10 |
| Homes above EPA lead standard | 63% |
| Average lead level (× EPA rule) | ~60 |
Insurance and Cleanup Challenges
Many residents, like Zoe Gonzalez Izquierdo, cannot get insurers to fund certified clean-ups. Insurance companies often send unqualified crews and only cover federally regulated toxins such as lead and asbestos. Julie Lawson spent $7,000 testing soil after insurers agreed to replace grass, planning further tests once interior remediation is complete.
Zoe Gonzalez Izquierdo said:
> ‘They can’t just send a company that’s not certified to just wipe things down so that then we can go back to a still contaminated home.’
Julie Lawson said:
> ‘We have to live in the scar. We’re all still really struggling.’
Annie Barbour said:
> ‘I don’t know how you fight that.’
Community Impact and Mental Health
Residents are inspecting belongings, fearing toxin absorption. Nina is cleaning cabinets with gloves and a respirator, considering therapy to cope with anxiety. The ongoing construction zone and loss of equity and community add to the emotional toll.
Key Takeaways
- Dangerous lead and asbestos persist in many Altadena homes after the 2025 wildfires.
- Insurance coverage for deep clean-ups is limited, forcing residents to pay out-of-pocket.
- The mental and community impact is profound, with residents living in a long-term construction zone.
As Altadena homes slowly return to livable condition, residents face a long road of remediation, insurance disputes, and mental strain, underscoring the hidden costs of wildfire recovery.
