Limited Retention of Wildfire-Derived PAHs and Trace Elements in Indoor Environments

Abstract

Wildfires are increasing in prevalence and intensity and emit large quantities of persistent organic and inorganic pollutants. Recent fires have caused elevated concerns that residual pollutants in indoor environments pose a long-term health hazard to residents; however, to date no studies have investigated how long fire-derived pollutants are retained in indoor environments. We quantified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic trace elements in ground ashes from the 2016 wildland-urban interface fires in Fort McMurray (Alberta, Canada) and in house dust from 64 homes. We document residual arsenic pollution from local building fires but found no evidence that forest fire ash remained in households 14 months after the fire. Overall, house dust pollutant concentrations were equal or lower than in other locations unaffected by wildfires. Given the current and future concerns over wildfire impacts, this study provides importance evidence on the degree of their long-term effects on the residential environment.