California Establishes Wildfire Smoke Contamination Standards

Why it matters locally: Given Oregon's similar susceptibility to wildfires, these new contamination standards in California could provide a model for future legislation or best practices considered by agencies like the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality or the Oregon Building Codes Division to address smoke damage in residential properties across the state.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California has become the first state in the United States to implement standardized protocols for testing and remediating structures contaminated by wildfire smoke. State legislators passed two related bills on Monday, establishing a framework for addressing smoke damage in residential properties. The new legislation mandates that testing for wildfire smoke residue must occur before a building can receive a certificate of occupancy or be cleared for re-entry. These protocols apply to homes that have sustained smoke damage from wildfires. The bills specify procedures for identifying hazardous substances left behind by smoke and outline steps for their removal. The measures also include provisions for training and certifying professionals who conduct the testing and remediation work. This aims to ensure that individuals performing these tasks possess the necessary expertise and adhere to established safety guidelines. Proponents of the legislation stated that it provides clarity for homeowners and insurance companies regarding the safe return to and repair of properties after wildfires. Previously, no uniform standards existed, leading to inconsistencies in how smoke contamination was assessed and addressed across the state. The passage of these bills follows a period of increasing wildfire activity in California, which has exposed a growing number of homes to smoke infiltration. The legislation addresses concerns about the long-term health effects associated with exposure to smoke residues in indoor environments.