Why Arsenic Matters After an Urban Wildfire

A Hidden Toxic Threat in Post-Wildfire Environments

Chatsworth, CA – WEBWIRE – Thursday, June 26, 2025

Post-wildfire environments may appear safe, but the invisible hazards left behind can linger for months or years.

As Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fires grow in frequency and intensity across the western United States, environmental experts are increasing their education to the public about an often-overlooked danger: arsenic contamination.

Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC), a leading environmental consulting and testing firm, is urging homeowners, businesses, and municipalities to take proactive steps to assess and mitigate arsenic and other hazardous substances in the wake of the recent urban wildfires.

Urban wildfires that burn through residential, commercial, and industrial areas can release toxic substances stored in common materials. Arsenic - a toxic metal and one of the 17 heavy metals listed under the California Administrative Manual (CAM 17) - can be released when pressure-treated wood, pesticides, electronic waste, or industrial materials are incinerated.

These arsenic-laden particles can settle into soil, dust, and even remain airborne, posing significant health risks long after the flames have been extinguished. Prolonged exposure to arsenic has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and developmental disorders.

“Post-wildfire environments may appear safe, but the invisible hazards left behind can linger for months or years,” says Jeff Bannon, Vice President of Environmental Services at CSC. “Arsenic contamination is particularly concerning because of its toxicity and potential to impact entire communities, especially vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.”

The CAM 17 list identifies 17 heavy metals, including arsenic, which are routinely evaluated in environmental assessments across California. After a wildfire, testing for CAM 17 metals is crucial to determine if contamination has occurred and what remediation is necessary to protect public health and restore affected properties.

With decades of expertise in environmental testing and industrial hygiene, CSC provides comprehensive post-wildfire assessments for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Services include:

Air, soil, and surface testing for arsenic and other hazardous substances
Full post-fire environmental evaluations
Site-specific remediation and cleanup plans
Regulatory compliance guidance and expert documentation

CSC emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to ensure that lingering contaminants do not pose long-term risks. “Environmental testing is not just a box to check - it’s a vital step in safeguarding your family, employees, and community,” Bannon adds.

To view an informational video about arsenic contamination after urban wildfires, visit https://youtu.be/mLkM8AyEdbE

If your property has been impacted by an urban wildfire, don’t delay. Call CSC today at 800-807-1118 to schedule an environmental assessment or visit www.csceng.com for more information.

About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)
CSC was established in 1996 to help clients in both the public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.

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