The frequency of devastating wildfires has reached an alarming rate. The multiple fires in the Los Angeles area threatened millions of lives and left a path of destruction in their wake. While the blazes are now contained, keeping firefighters and first responders on the front lines safe remains one of the greatest challenges as they encounter an invisible but equally dangerous threat: hazardous airborne chemicals released by burning materials.
These toxic gases and vapors cannot be seen with the naked eye but can be deadly; often persisting long after the fire is out and causing a lasting public health crisis. Not only are firefighters and volunteers at risk, but those who return to their homes in the aftermath can breathe in these chemicals, often unaware of their presence lingering in the air.
Safeguarding both frontline responders and the communities they protect requires urgent action and advanced solutions to monitor and mitigate these invisible dangers. As the current situation in LA shows, and the expectation of more fires to come, it remains critical to increase awareness of the dangers of airborne chemicals and the proper tools to detect and mitigate the threats.
Airborne Hazards: Common Chemicals and Sources
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which is not a single pollutant, but can consist of many types of particulates in the air that are less than 2.5 micrometers in size. Studies show PM2.5 from wildfire smoke may be more toxic than PM2.5 from other sources, such as traffic or manufacturing. This is due to the inflammatory and oxidative compounds that increase the risk of respiratory problems and could cause cancer or even death.
Some of these particulates are released by lead pipes, pharmaceuticals, and paint. One of the growing concerns is the release of toxic fumes from synthetic materials commonly used in furniture, clothing, and building materials that further contribute to the toxicity of wildfire smoke. When these materials burn, they release a mix of dangerous chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide, all of which are known carcinogens and respiratory irritants.
Another threat lies within the lithium-ion batteries that we use regularly in our homes, vehicles, and electronic devices. When these batteries catch fire, they emit hazardous gases like hydrofluoric acid which can cause severe respiratory damage and pulmonary edema. Prolonged or high-level exposure may lead to permanent lung damage or even death, adding to the already perilous dangers of breathing in these vapors.
Furthermore, carbon monoxide, a byproduct of incomplete combustion, may also be present causing major concern, as it can cause poisoning even in low concentrations.
Since these airborne chemicals are not visible to the naked eye, firefighters and residents who return to fire-damaged areas without proper protective gear risk inhaling toxic fumes, exacerbating pre-existing conditions, and increasing the likelihood of long-term health problems.
Utilizing the XplorIR for Enhanced Safety and Faster Mitigation
As wildfires proliferate, we are not without action. Air quality monitoring technology and real-time sensors can detect harmful chemicals quickly and effectively in the field – where it matters most. These tools can help guide decision-making with confidence, expedite responses, mitigation efforts, and protect the health of both the public and first responders.
In fact, 908 Devices’ XplorIR is a highly advanced tool designed for rapid and accurate detection, identification and – most significantly – quantification of over 5,000 chemical vapors, making it an ideal solution for identifying unknown threats. The handheld device can measure hazardous gas concentrations at part-per-million (ppm) levels, providing critical real-time data during high-risk operations. The XplorIR can identify a variety of threats, including Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and fire gases and corrosives, all of which could be found in the aftermath of a wildfire. Given its intended use in high-risk environments, it can simultaneously analyze up to six gas components within seconds and with continuous monitoring, provide precise and real-time situational awareness. These capabilities are essential for monitoring hazardous conditions – including changes in wind and downstream hazards – and making informed decisions during emergencies.
In the face of growing threats, our team at 908 Devices will empower fire departments and local governments with the innovative tech that’s essential to first responder safety and public health. Our company remains deeply committed to supporting these communities by continuing to advance chemical detection technology, such as the XplorIR, that offers robust situational awareness during natural disasters.
