California Wildfires - The Hidden Dangers & Actions Yo...( SANTA ROSA Calif. Oct. 25 -- Tox...),Health

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Toxic substances, such as asbestos, lead, and PCBs, can become airborne particulates when structures containing the substances burn.

Particulates in the smoke plumes from the California Wildfires can harm the health and property of people in the affected areas.

Toxic substances in the smoke plumes ultimately come to rest on personal property, on the inside and outside of structures and the land surrounding the structures. The contamination in these areas is potentially dangerous to humans and animals.

When inhaled or ingested these toxic materials can cause serious health problems that may not show up for many years after exposure.

Contact your local Health Department, the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society for more information.

These substances also can contaminate, corrode or otherwise damage structures and surrounding landscaping.

It is important to protect yourself, those you care for and your property from the harmful effects of these hidden dangers.

Take precautions when the smoke is visible and have your property tested and properly detoxified when the fires are out. Returning to contaminated properties can be dangerous.

Due to the high probability that the majority of property in the area of the fires' smoke plumes has been contaminated to some extent, it is important to call your insurer, tell them the situation, and make a claim to have your insurer do the testing necessary to determine the fact and extent of any contamination -- and what needs to be done to fix the damage and eliminate the dangers.

Your policy or another's policy may provide coverage. If you don't notify your insurer promptly you may be stuck with the costs of all necessary testing, remediation and repair.

For more information, contact JustHealth @ gethelp@justhealthnow.org