Additional Research & Findings
Water Testing
How should I remediate my pool? When will my pool be safe to use again?
Hundreds of swimming pools are located within the burn perimeters of the recent Palisade and Eaton Fires. We have seen firsthand swimming pools are contaminated with fire debris, burned ash, dead animals, and potentially harmful pollutants. Furthermore, far more swimming pools outside the burn perimeters may have been polluted with ash and other debris if they receive runoff containing wildfire residues during the rainfalls after the wildfire event. Yet, limited guidance exists on how to safely handle the polluted water, partly because the ranges and concentrations of pollutants in the swimming pool directly or indirectly affected by wildfire and runoff have not been measured. No prior pool water testing study has been conducted after a fire.
The goal of this study was to help pool owners and health officials understand the safety of pool water after a fire by measuring the concentration of heavy metals and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) in pool water and the debris deposited on the pool floor. A team of researchers led by Dr. Caitlin Proctor, Purdue University, collected water from ~100 pools, with an even representation between the Eaton and Palisades fire areas. Data was delivered to participants about the metal and SVOC (semi-volatile organic compound) contaminant concentrations of pool water. Many of these contaminants were screened due to their presence in the environment after past wildfires. Overall, metal contaminant concentrations in pool waters sampled were unremarkable and test results indicated limited health risk.
Click to download the Pool Water Results Information Sheet. A webinar about the findings “LA Pools Study: What was in the water after the January 2025 wildfires?” was held on August 18, 2025. Click to see the slide deck and click to view the webinar.
Community Research
How do I know my children’s school is safe to return to? Where can I turn to get my questions answered? What contamination are my neighbors finding at their houses?
Environmental Test Result Review Study
As a direct response of households asking for assistance navigating the complexity of testing results and guidance provided by contractors and other parties, this study was initiated in February 2025 by Dr. Andrew Whelton at Purdue University. As part of this study and at no cost to the property owner, researchers met with property owners who submit their home environmental testing information and are assisted with the process. Further, the team has also been meeting with elected officials, government officials, engaging with property testing companies about issues that are surfacing. Issues include improper testing methods being applied by consultants, incorrect chemical safety standards used for comparison, contractors not testing for the contaminants widely known to be of great concern in the Eaton and Palisades Fire impact areas such as lead and asbestos. Findings are being compiled, anonymized, and analyzed.
Online REBUILD Survey of Experience & Needs
From April 2025-June 2025, an online community survey was conducted led by Dr. Andrew Whelton. The survey, called the Recovery Efforts By Uniting Individuals, Listening, and Discovery (REBUILD) study was initiated in direct response to the overwhelming number of questions received by the researchers and preliminary findings of the onsite household interviews and property inspections.
Click here to view the final report. A webinar was held about the findings, “The REBUILD Survey: Overview, household experiences, needs, and perceptions” was held on September 20, 2025. Click to view the slide deck and click to view the webinar.