Toxic Exposure - Eaton

Toxic Contamination from the Eaton Fires:

The Eaton Fires caused devastation in Southern California—but long after the flames were extinguished, danger remains. Toxic contamination from these wildfires has left residents, first responders, and entire neighborhoods at risk due to hazardous materials like lead, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants.

Lead and other toxins don’t just harm the environment—they impact homes, health, and community safety. And now, many families are discovering a second crisis: insurance companies refusing to pay for proper cleanup and decontamination.

At the California Fire Victims Law Center, we’re helping communities hold insurers and Southern California Edison accountable—so they can rebuild safely and recover fully.

The Hidden Threat of Lead Contamination

Alarming new research published by Caltech reveals that over half of tested Altadena homes affected by the Eaton Fire, even those miles away from the burn zone, contain dangerous lead levels exceeding EPA safety limits. These toxins, embedded in soot and debris, were detected in and around homes—posing a clear health threat to residents, especially children and vulnerable populations.

While the Caltech study provided crucial scientific validation, Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU) has conducted the most comprehensive community testing initiative to date. Their latest data from April 2025reveals alarming contamination rates in standing homes.

After testing 107 properties with certified industrial hygienists:

  • 100% of homes tested positive for wildfire debris (ash, char, soot)

  • 100% of homes tested positive for lead contamination

  • Over 75% of homes exceeded EPA hazardous lead thresholds

  • 99% of homes required professional remediation recommendations

These findings have remained consistent across multiple weeks of testing, confirming this is not an isolated issue but a widespread environmental health emergency affecting the entire community.

This isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a legal and insurance battle impacting our entire community.

Who Is at Risk?

NO AMOUNT OF LEAD IS SAFE.

Toxins left behind after the Eaton Fires are invisible and dangerous. Without professional remediation, they can remain in homes, HVAC systems, yards, and water supplies for months—or even years.

At greatest risk are:

  • Children: vulnerable to lead exposure, which can cause cognitive and behavioral issues

  • Elderly residents: more susceptible to cancer, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory illness

  • People with asthma or chronic lung conditions: who face exacerbated symptoms and long-term damage

    Navigating Insurance Denials

Many residents affected by the Eaton Fires assumed their insurance would cover toxic cleanup. Instead, many are discovering:

  • Coverage is being denied, delayed, or underpaid.

  • Remediation is often dismissed as “unnecessary” despite clear environmental danger.

  • Families are forced to live in contaminated homes or pay out of pocket.

  • Insurance companies are using technicalities to avoid their responsibilities, claiming toxic contamination isn't a "direct physical loss" – forcing California families to choose between financial hardship or living in dangerous environments.

The California Fire Victims Law Center is working with impacted homeowners to challenge these insurance denials and pursue justice from those responsible for the contamination.

Pursuing Justice against Southern California Edison

While many fire victims are struggling with insurance denials, Eaton Fire victims affected by toxic contamination may have additional legal recourse directly against Southern California Edison (SCE). This is particularly important for families whose:

  • Homes remain standing but are contaminated with toxic residue

  • Properties lie outside the burn zone but have tested positive for dangerous toxins

  • Children have been exposed to lead, arsenic, and other harmful substances

  • Insurance claims for remediation have been denied or underpaid

Preliminary investigations point to SCE's electrical equipment as the likely ignition source of this catastrophic blaze. As investigations continue, evidence suggests that SCE:

  • Failed to properly maintain power lines and equipment near dry vegetation during dangerous fire conditions

  • Neglected to implement adequate safety protocols despite known extreme wind forecasts

  • Delayed or inadequately performed vegetation management in high-risk fire zones

  • Chosen not to implement preventative power shutoffs despite red flag warnings

    What Can You Do If You’ve Been Affected?

If you or your community were impacted by the Eaton Fires and are now dealing with toxic contamination or insurance delays, even if your home or business is still standing, you may have a legal claim.

Don’t wait—these cases are time-sensitive, and your family’s health may be at risk every day you go without proper remediation. Contact the California Fire Victims Law Center today for a free consultation.