LOS ANGELES — Kelli Ferrone diligently cleaned the blinds and window sills at her daughters’ elementary school, located just half a mile away from the destructive Palisades Fire that affected the coastal community in Los Angeles. The cotton swabs and wipes she used became stained with black residue.

Ash and soot littered the ground, notably in areas adjacent to the playground. This week, Ferrone, concerned for the cleanliness of Canyon Charter Elementary School prior to its reopening, recorded her findings and shared videos documenting the condition of the school. Her assessment was far from positive.

In the wake of one of the most intense fire seasons in the Los Angeles area, parents are now faced with the daunting reality that the ash left behind from burned homes and vehicles may pose health risks to their children. This situation has gained prevalence as wildfires increasingly encroach upon urban settings.

Canyon Charter Elementary is set to potentially reopen soon, as early as Monday, and school officials assert they are devoted to ensuring the school is clean and safe for students’ return. However, several parents feel that the district’s decision to reopen is premature. Some have called for a temporary relocation of students, whereas others are seeking to enroll their children in different schools altogether.

“The Los Angeles Unified School District has never faced a disaster of this magnitude in its history,” stated Ferrone, a parent of two daughters at the institution, one of whom suffers from asthma. “While I recognize that efforts are being made, we need a new, temporary place for our children to learn with teachers present in classrooms. That’s what will truly provide peace of mind.”

In response, LAUSD maintained that its staff has worked tirelessly to ensure schools are ready for the transition back to in-person learning. This preparatory work includes checking ventilation systems, replacing air filters, equipping classrooms with air purifiers, and conducting thorough cleaning both indoors and outdoors. An environmental consultant has been enlisted to inspect school grounds, and air quality is being monitored consistently. The district is also adhering to the protocols provided by its Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Some schools, including Canyon Charter, are currently under a “do not drink water” advisory, which has resulted in the closure of drinking fountains and the provision of bottled water to students.

Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and the executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, expressed confidence in the measures being taken by the school, though she cautioned that “there is no such thing as zero risk.”

The ash is laden with a mixture of toxic substances derived from incinerated vehicles, electronics, batteries, construction materials, paints, and other personal items, containing elements like pesticides, asbestos, plastics, and lead—all of which pose greater risks to children.

“Children exhibit more hand-to-mouth behaviors, and their bodies are in a critical growth phase during early years, which leaves them more vulnerable to these pollutants,” Patel explained. “For some time, exposure risks will persist.”

Compounding the issue, certain materials may create volatile chemical compounds when subjected to heat. Researchers are still investigating the long-term health implications resulting from exposure to extensive urban fires, such as those in California and Maui, Hawaii, this year. After the Maui fires, several schools remained closed for two months before reopening. Specific chemicals from such events have been connected to heart disease and respiratory issues, and minerals like magnetite—a byproduct of burning iron—have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

In Pasadena, Emily Stough is taking precautions to protect her children, aged 11 and 14, as they return to Blair High School, which also includes a middle school. She made sure they wore masks during their return. According to an email sent to parents by the Pasadena Unified School District last week, over 38 tons of debris have been cleared from campuses, with school reopening contingent on thorough cleaning, sanitization, and environmental testing.

While Stough has faith in the district’s diligence, she seeks more transparency regarding the safety measures implemented.

“Were the air quality tests conducted? Were ash samples collected from inside and outside the schools?” she inquired. “I wish to know what specific cleaning actions were taken.”

The Pasadena Unified School District did not provide answers to the inquiries made.

The duration of the fire-related toxins remaining in the environment remains uncertain, Patel noted, but it may persist for several months. Additionally, strong winds, such as the Santa Anas, could transport these toxins to other areas, potentially contaminating soil and groundwater.

Plastic residues particularly have a lasting presence, Dr. Ilan Shapiro stated, a medical affairs officer for AltaMed and a fellow with the American Academy of Pediatrics. “It’s important to remember that fires are still active. We continue to see remnants of burnt materials present,” he added.

Longfellow Elementary School in Pasadena plans to resume sessions next week; however, Tanya Reyes has decided to keep her children at home for the time being. The school is located about two miles from the site of the Eaton Fire, which destroyed their rented home. Even with the safety precautions in place, her maternal instincts urge her to refrain. “My intuition is telling me this is too soon,” she shared. “They shouldn’t be near that area.”

Her family has temporarily relocated to West Hollywood, where she is searching for new schools for her children. She is also contemplating homeschooling as an alternative but is still weighing her options.

Parents are navigating a challenging dilemma as they recognize the importance of education for their children.

“We have faced numerous challenges, whether it was the smoke from wildfires or the pandemic,” Patel commented, highlighting the dual impact on learning and social-emotional growth when children miss school. “It affects their education and their ability to connect with their peers during such trying circumstances.”