Asbers

After a fire:

asbestos hazards

Publication 1719.2* January 2020

*This replaces 1719.1, published December 2018

Fact sheet

Overview

The term 'asbestos' refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals found in rock. White, blue and brown asbestos were all mined in Australia until 1983.

Asbestos was used widely in industrial and commercial applications from the late 1800s. Uses included asbestos cement (AC) building materials, roofing tiles, fire blankets, and brake linings and pads for motor vehicles.

Asbestos cement was commonly used in the construction of residential buildings from the 1940s – houses built before 1990 are likely to have some asbestos cement products.

What are the health risks of asbestos?

Asbestos only poses a risk to health when asbestos fibres are inhaled as dust.

Asbestos cement materials that are in good condition don't pose a health risk, because the asbestos fibres are bound together.

If the material is damaged or crumbling, or has been disturbed by cutting, drilling or sawing, fibres may be released into the air and pose a health risk.

Asbestos fibres must become airborne and be present in sufficient concentration and be of a respirable size (a size that can be breathed in) to pose a risk to those inhaling fibres.

When the fibres are inhaled, they can remain deep in the lungs, causing scarring and inflammation. Asbestos exposure can increase the risk of some forms of cancer in humans.

More information about the health risks of asbestos is available at asbestos.vic.gov.au

Further information and updates

Contact EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or epa.vic.gov.au

• Incident information and updates: emergency.vic.gov.au

• Up-to-date air quality information: epa.vic.gov.au/airwatch

• Information about the safe disposal of asbestos: worksafe.vic.gov.au/asbestos

• More about the health risks of asbestos: asbestos.vic.gov.au

• Information about the impacts of smoke: epa.vic.gov.au/smoke

• Emergency information and fact sheets: epa.vic.gov.au/emergency

Asbestos only poses a risk to health

when fibres are inhaled.

By minimising your exposure to bushfire

rubble that may contain asbestos, you

minimise inhalation of asbestos fibres.

After a fire: asbestos hazards

2

What happens to asbestos during and after a fire?

During a fire, the amount of asbestos fibres released into the air is relatively low. Air monitoring during and after fires has confirmed this.

After a fire, pieces of asbestos cement materials can become brittle and may release fibres if they are disturbed while cleaning up.

Where it’s suspected that materials containing asbestos are likely to be present, cleanup should be conducted in line with WorkSafe requirements.

My home burnt down. How do I know if the building rubble contains asbestos? What should I do to protect myself while

inspecting building rubble?

Asbestos cement used to be commonly used in the construction of residential buildings. As a result, approximately a third of Australian homes may contain some form of asbestos.

A total ban on the manufacture, use, reuse, importation, transportation, storage and sale of all forms of asbestos came into force in 2003. Houses built after 2003 should not contain asbestos.

We recommend you do not inspect burnt building rubble. If you do decide to inspect building rubble you should wet it down to prevent dust. You should also wear personal protective equipment (called PPE, it typically consists of dust mask, gloves and coveralls).

More information is available from asbestos.vic.gov.au

I’m still living in my house but my neighbour’s house burnt down. How can I best protect myself from airborne asbestos fibres?

Talk to your neighbour to see if they know about asbestos at their property. Encourage your neighbour to wet down burnt building rubble and keep you informed of any upcoming activities which may generate dust.

If your neighbour’s house contains asbestos, encourage them to engage a licenced asbestos removalist to safely remove and dispose of the material.

More information is available from asbestos.vic.gov.au

What is the safest way to clear burnt asbestos-containing material from a property?

We recommend that you use a licensed asbestos removalist to perform the cleanup work. They know how to remove and dispose of asbestos safely, and without risk to you and your neighbours.

If you are using a contractor to remove asbestos, they must be licensed by WorkSafe Victoria. Their website (worksafe.vic.gov.au/asbestos) has a list of licensed asbestos removalists or you can search online.

If you’re considering doing the cleanup yourself, you should follow guidelines available for homeowners on asbestos.vic.gov.au. It’s important that you take precautions to avoid risk to your health, and that of your family and neighbours. Building materials should be wetted down to prevent dust. Personal protective equipment (dust mask, gloves and coveralls) should be worn. More information is available from asbestos.vic.gov.au.

EPA can provide information about the disposal of asbestos as a waste product. Visit epa.vic.gov.au or call us on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) for more information on where you can take your asbestos waste for disposal. Contact the facility before visiting to make sure it is operating.

If you’re visiting a property but not cleaning up, personal protective equipment should be worn to minimise exposure to airborne dust and other hazards from fire-damaged homes.

How can I have ash or debris on my property tested for asbestos?

If you would like to have a sample of material tested for asbestos, contact the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) on (03) 9274 8200.

Fact sheet: firewater run-off Publication 1722 December 2018

Fact sheet

Overview During a fire, large volumes of water, either on its own or mixed with foams or fire retardants, can be used to put the fire out. Often, this firewater can find its way to local waterways and impact the water quality.

What’s in firewater? The volume and composition of firewater will be different depending on the circumstances of the fire, whether any fire retardants were used, and what has been burnt.

Bushfires

In the case of bushfires where it’s just plants that have been burnt, firewater will contain mostly nutrients and sediments. When buildings, farming equipment, fencing and other structures are burnt, the run-off from firewater can also contain other materials that can pollute the waterways.

Firewater can pollute waterways, leading to the death of fish and aquatic life. Firewater from a bushfire going into a waterway will lower the dissolved oxygen in the water, which may cause fish deaths. More nutrients entering a waterway can lead to algal blooms. All these may also occur when rains after a fire wash ash and soil into waterways, so the impact of rain after a bushfire can also be significant.

Industrial fires

Pollutants present in firewater from industrial fires may be toxic to the environment, and cause the death of fish, other aquatic animals and plants. These pollutants may also cause irritation to people or animals who touch affected water.

For fires at industrial sites, EPA officers provide advice to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) or Country Fire Authority (CFA) about capturing the water used to extinguish the fire to minimise any impacts on local waterways.

However, during big fires, large volumes of water are needed to put out the fire and some may end up in waterways.

You may also notice that the water might smell, if it has been affected by firewater from an industrial fire.

Further information

Contact EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or epa.vic.gov.au

Incident information and updates: epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/emergency-information

NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 60 60 24

Up-to-date air quality information: epa.vic.gov.au/airwatch

Information about smoke and your health: epa.vic.gov.au/smoke

Cleaning up after a fire: betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Fact sheet: firewater run-off

2

What about fire retardants from firefighting aircraft?

Fire retardants that are dropped from firefighting aircraft contain a mixture of salts that prevent plant material burning. Once the fire danger has passed, they act as a source of phosphate, and are a source of nutrients for plants.

MFB and CFA no longer use fluorinated foams (i.e. fire retardant foams containing PFAS) which have caused concern in recent times.

For more information about fire retardants, see Fire retardants and health (EPA publication 1721).

What should I do? When nearby waterways have been affected by industrial firewater run-off:

avoid contact with the water

avoid any sludge that may be present

if you come into contact with contaminated water or sludge, remove wet clothing, and wash with soapy water

don’t allow your pets to swim in or drink the water

don’t eat fish from the affected waterway

avoid the area, if there is odour that is making you feel unwell

seek medical help if you continue to feel unwell.

Fact sheet After a fire: cleaning up a smoke-affected home

Publication 1711 August 2018

My home smells of smoke. What should I do? If your home has been damaged by fire or smells of smoke from bushfires you should follow these instructions.

Ventilate your home Open the doors and windows. Sunlight and fresh air will help remove the odour.

Wash hard surfaces (furniture, walls and floors)

• Wash indoor surfaces with mild soap or detergent and water.

• For persistent smoke and soot, wear rubber gloves and wash with the following: four to six teaspoons of washing

powder and one cup of household chlorine bleach added to four litres of water. Remember to always follow the safety

directions on the bleach container.

• Cooking utensils can be washed with detergent and hot water and polished with a suitable polishing agent to remove

discolouration.

Wash soft furnishings (upholstered furniture and bedding)

• Air soft furnishings outside in the sunshine and wind. Mattresses may be able to be cleaned by a specialist mattress

repairer. It is almost impossible to get the smell of smoke out of feather pillows or foam.

Clothing

• Air clothing outside in the sunshine and wind.

• Wash any affected clothing normally.

• Persistent stains and smoke odour can sometimes be washed from clothing using four to six teaspoons of washing

powder and one cup of household chlorine bleach added to four litres of water. After washing, rinse the clothes with

clean water and dry them well. Remember to wear gloves and follow the safety directions on the bleach container.

Care should be taken as this mix will bleach clothes.

What about clothes left on the clothes line?

• These should be rewashed as wind might have removed some smoke odour; however, soot, particles and ash may

still be on them.

• Rewashing ensures sensitive skin (for example, a baby’s skin) is protected from possible irritants.

Are there health effects from ash and soot in my home?

Low levels of ash on household surfaces are unlikely to harm your health.

For further information EPA Victoria can be contacted on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) for further advice on air quality monitoring.

If you or anyone in your household is experiencing any health effects from the smoky conditions seek medical

advice from your doctor.

Fact sheet:

Disposal of bushfire waste

Publication 1738 – March 2019 Fact sheet

Overview

In the event of a bushfire, landowners and authorities may be required to dispose of perished stock or large

quantities of building rubble. The proper disposal of bushfire waste is an important health and environmental

consideration. We understand this is a very difficult time for families affected by the fires, and we will work with

you in any way we can.

Contact your local council for information on appropriate clean up and disposal of bushfire waste. They can

advise on management of particular types of waste (e.g. asbestos, animals) and available options for disposal.

Dead stock

Where possible, disposal to landfill is your first and best option for disposal of dead stock. However, we understand that this isn’t always an option.

Onsite disposal

In areas where stock cannot be moved to a landfill, limited numbers can be buried onsite. Burial sites should be carefully

chosen, to protect your groundwater, and surface waters from contamination, as well as protecting yourself and your neighbours from odour and possible health hazards. Agriculture Victoria provides a guide to disposing of dead stock after bushfires in Agnote AG1264 on their website (agriculture.vic.gov.au).

In the case of intensive animal industries, such as feedlots, piggeries, broiler and egg farms, stock must not be buried on the farm without EPA approval. Approval is required for more than 500 sheep or 150 cattle on the farm.

Burning of dead stock should be avoided unless it is required for disease control, or as a last resort if a burial site is not available.

Spoiled milk

There’s a variety of effective ways to dispose of spoilt milk on the farm, after power outages, in bushfire affected areas.

While small volumes of milk can be discharged direct to effluent ponds, it is not the preferred disposal option as it can lead to future odour problems.

On-farm disposal via irrigation, trenching or on non-productive land is possible, provided there are no off-site impacts. The best option needs to be considered

for each site using the guidance available from EPA and Agriculture Victoria in Agnote AGO428 on their website (agriculture.vic.gov.au).

Building rubble

Building rubble from bushfires mainly consists of brick, concrete, asphalt and timber. It should be disposed of to a landfill licensed to receive this type of waste. Building rubble should not be deposited to land, such as farms or gullies, without approval from EPA.

Further information

Contact EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or epa.vic.gov.au

• Incident information and updates: emergency.vic.gov.au

• Find your local council: knowyourcouncil.vic.gov.au

• Agriculture Victoria: agriculture.vic.gov.au

• Warnings on air quality: epa.vic.gov.au/airwatch

Fact sheet:

ash

Publication 1724 December 2018

Fact sheet

Overview

Smoke consists of particles that weren’t burnt completely. When the particles fall from the air, they collect on

surfaces as soot and ash. Smoke can linger after a fire, which means that soot and ash can continue to settle

around your home and garden for several days after the fire has been extinguished.

What are the health risks of ash?

Smoke is a mixture of particles, water vapour and

gases. Fine particles, called PM2.5, are the biggest

health concern because they can be breathed into

your lungs. These are the particles that can be

present in ash and soot.

Ash and soot can be irritating to the lungs and the

skin. Breathing these fine particles deeply into the

lungs can cause breathing problems and worsen

pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma and

heart disease.

Signs of short-term irritation such as itchy eyes,

skin irritations, sore throat, runny nose and coughing

usually clear up in healthy adults once you’re away

from the smoke. If these symptoms don’t improve

quickly once you’re away from the smoke, contact

NURSE-ON-CALL (1300 60 60 24) or seek medical

advice

What can I do?

• Take medications if you have pre-existing

medical conditions, such as asthma or heart

disease.

• Wash ash off your hands, face and neck.

• If ash gets in your eyes, gently wash them out

with clean water.

• Practise good hygiene, and wipe down surfaces

with soap and water.

• Remove footwear before entering your home,

to avoid walking ash inside.

Further information

Contact EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or epa.vic.gov.au

• Incident information and updates: emergency.vic.gov.au

• Up-to-date air quality information: epa.vic.gov.au/airwatch

• Information about the impacts of smoke: epa.vic.gov.au/smoke

• NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 60 60 24

• Emergency information: epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/emergency-information

• For information about water tanks, see Ash and water tanks (EPA publication 1725)

Fact sheet: ash

2

How does ash get inside my home?

Even though you may have closed your doors and

windows and turned off any cooling or heating

systems, ash can still come into the home in other

ways, such as through:

• holes in the ceiling

• cornices that are cracked or missing with visible

gaps into the roof space

• fans and vent points that are not sealed

• gaps in ceiling roses

• gaps in connections between flues and the

ceiling openings around doors and windows.

Cleaning up

Houses, sheds and gardens can be affected. If your

home has been affected by smoke, make sure you

take steps to clean up any ash and protect your

health and safety.

When cleaning up ash and soot, make sure you:

• wear a dust mask, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt

and long pants to avoid skin contact

• wash any ash off your skin as soon as possible

• prevent children, particularly young children,

playing near the ash until the area has been

cleaned up

• avoid getting ash in the air as much as possible –

don’t use leaf blowers or anything that will push

the ash into the air

• gently sweep hard surfaces before wet mopping

• use a damp cloth or wet mop on lightly dusted

areas.

Cleaning up ash inside your home

• Wash indoor surfaces with water. If a surface film

is visible, wash with soap and water.

• Wash cooking utensils with detergent and hot

water or run them through the dishwasher.

• Wash soft furnishings (upholstered furniture,

curtains, carpets/rugs, cushions and bedding) or

vacuum using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, so

particles don’t blow back into your house.

• Wash clothes left exposed in the house (such as

on the floor or on the clothes line).

• Wash children’s toys with soap and water.

• Have heating, ventilating and air-conditioning

units and all ductwork professionally cleaned and

replace filters, to remove soot, ash and smoke

residue.

Cleaning up ash outside your home

• Wash ash and debris into landscaped areas

wherever practical.

• Pressure wash or hose down all exterior surfaces

including the roof, walls, driveways and paths,

decks, windows and flyscreens.

• Clean windows with soap and water or window

cleaner.

• If you have a chimney, you may want to get a

professional to clean it for you.

• Ash and soot on the ground and in your

landscaping will continue to generate airborne

particles when the wind blows, so water it down

regularly.

• Take your car to a car wash or wash it over a

vegetated area such as your lawn.

Can I eat my garden vegetables?

Always use common sense when deciding whether

or not food is safe to eat. Vegetables, fruit or herbs

should be washed in water prior to eating. If you do

not wish to eat the produce in your garden, affected

vegetation can be washed and composted.

Can I use the water out of my water tank?

If the water from your water tank tastes, smells or

looks unusual, do not use it for drinking, bathing or

for pets. The town water supply is safe to use for

drinking, and all other domestic uses.

Further information on rainwater tanks is available in

the Ash and water tanks fact sheet (EPA publication

1725).

Asbers

Ash from copper chrome arsenate

(CCA) treated timber

Publication 1720 December 2018

Fact sheet

What is CCA-treated timber?

Copper chrome arsenate (CCA) is a wood preservative that is fixed into timber and used to protect wood from rotting, fungi and insects, and resist leaching. Freshly treated CCA timber can be identified by its yellow/greenish colour which fades to grey over time.

CCA-treated timber has been commonly used in private and public recreation areas for pergolas, decking,

cubby houses, claddings, posts, gates, fencing and landscaping purposes.

What happens to CCA-treated timber when it is burnt?

In the event of a bushfire, structures made from CCA-treated timber can be damaged or destroyed.

If you know that you had structures made from CCA-treated timber, when cleaning up the ash, remember:

• it is not possible to tell if ash contains arsenic just by looking at it, so you should treat the ash as containing copper, chromium and arsenic

• the remaining ash and char can contain up to 10 per cent (by weight) copper, chromium and arsenic

• this ash may pose a health hazard if it is swallowed by young children or grazing animals.

Health effects

• Swallowing CCA-treated timber ash can cause nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea and a “pins and needles” feeling in the skin.

• If you or anyone in your family has these symptoms (or you suspect someone has swallowed CCA-treated timber ash) seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Further information

Contact EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or epa.vic.gov.au

• Incident information and updates: emergency.vic.gov.au

• Up-to-date air quality information: epa.vic.gov.au/airwatch

• For information about the transport and disposal of CCA-treated timber ash, contact EPA Victoria.

• For information about household rubbish requirements and landfill locations, contact your local council.

• For information about fencing or stock, contact your local Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) on 136 186.

• For information about CCA-treated timber and human health, contact Environmental Health, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on 1300 761 874.

Ash from copper chrome arsenate (CCA) treated timber

2

Precautions for young children and farm animals

Young children are more likely to put ash in their mouths, and swallowing only a few grams of CCA-treated timber ash can be harmful. Breathing in ash dust can also pose a risk. Farm animals may also lick or swallow the salty ash residue.

Children, pets and farm animals should be kept away from CCA-treated timber ash until it is cleaned up.

Collection and disposal of CCA-treated timber ash

• CCA-treated timber ash should be collected and taken to landfill for disposal.

• Do not bury CCA-treated timber ash or other building waste. This practice could contaminate your land or water and potentially expose your family, animals and the broader environment.

• Small amounts of CCA-treated timber ash can be disposed in the rubbish bin. Larger amounts of ash can be double-bagged, sealed and taken directly to landfill. Damaged timber can also be disposed at landfill. Contact your council for advice on local requirements or Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) for further advice on the environmental effects of CCA-treated timber.

Personal protection when collecting ash from CCA-treated timber

• You should wear gloves and consider wearing disposable overalls when handling CCA-treated timber ash.

• Wear a disposable dust mask (P1 or P2 dust masks are available from most hardware stores) to minimise breathing in dust.

• Moisten the ash prior to handling it to minimise dust.

• Use a shovel to pick up ash – do not spread it around.

• Remove and discard disposable coveralls and/or wash clothing and clean your shoes before reuse.

• Wash your hands after finishing cleanup work and before eating, smoking, preparing food or picking up young children.

Fact sheet:

ash and water tanks

Publication 1725 December 2018

Fact sheet

Overview

Smoke consists of particles that weren’t burnt completely. When the particles fall from the air, they collect on

surfaces as soot and ash. Smoke can linger after a fire, which means that soot and ash can continue to settle

around your home and garden for several days after the fire has been extinguished.

Water tanks

If you live in a bushfire-affected area, and you use a

private water source such as a water tank, you

should be aware that your water supply may become

contaminated with debris, ash, soot, fire retardants

or dead animals.

Water drawn from deep bores or wells should still be

safe to use.

If the water from your rainwater tank tastes, looks or

smells unusual, don’t use it for drinking, bathing or

for pets.

If you suspect contamination, use an alternative

water supply for drinking and food preparation.

Contact your local council for a list of water carting

contractors.

The town water supply is safe to use for drinking and

all domestic uses.

Preventing water tank contamination

The most effective way to prevent contamination of

your water tank is to make sure it is properly sealed

and to disconnect the downpipes to the tank as soon

as there is a bushfire risk. Do not reconnect the

downpipes until the roof has been cleaned after the

bushfire, either manually or after a flush of rain.

Further information

Contact EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or epa.vic.gov.au

• Incident information and updates: emergency.vic.gov.au

• Up-to-date air quality information: epa.vic.gov.au/airwatch

• Information about the impacts of smoke: epa.vic.gov.au/smoke

• Cleaning up after a fire: betterhealth.vic.gov.au

• Emergency information: epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/emergency-information

• For more information about the health risks of ash, and about cleaning up ash, see the Ash fact sheet (EPA publication 1724)

Fact sheet: Ash and water tanks

2

Is my water tank contaminated?

If your water looks, smells or tastes unusual, then it

is likely to be contaminated. Do not use the water for

drinking or food preparation, and do not give it to

animals.

Water that is not suitable for drinking can still be

used on the garden. Water testing is not necessary,

as contamination is easily identified by a change in

taste, smell or clarity.

Debris or dead animals on your roof or in the gutters

should be removed. Use gloves and place in a

plastic bag for disposal. Only clean the ash and

debris from your roof and gutters when it is safe to

do so.

Your tank water should be disinfected before

reusing.

Disinfecting tank water

Water can be disinfected by bringing it to a rolling

boil or by adding chlorine. For every 1,000 litres of

water in the tank, you can safely add either:

• approximately 125 ml or 125 g of 4 per cent

household bleach. Avoid using bleaches that

contain detergents or other chemicals, such as

perfumes

• approximately 40 ml or 40 g of 12.5 per cent

liquid swimming pool chlorine or dairy factory

chlorine

• approximately 8 ml or 8 g of 65 per cent granular

‘swimming pool’ chlorine.

After chlorinating, you should wait at least 24 hours

before using the water to allow for harmful

microorganisms to be treated.

Do I need to clean my water tank after a fire?

It should not be necessary to clean your tank after a

fire unless it is grossly polluted or smells and tastes

unusual as a result of aerial fire retardants.

Alternatively, you can arrange for your tank to be

professionally cleaned. Where cleaning involves

entering a tank, consider employing a professional

tank cleaner. Tanks are confined spaces and can be

dangerous to work in. Refer to your local business

directory for water tank cleaners.

Asbers

Fire retardants

and health

Publication 1721 December 2018 Fact sheet

What are fire retardants?

Fire retardants are chemicals that slow the spread or intensity of a fire. They help firefighters on the ground

and are sometimes dropped from aircraft.

Short-term fire retardants are detergent chemicals mixed into foam. Long-term fire retardants are chemicals

that are mixed with water to form a slurry. Fire retardants have been used in Victoria for the last thirty years.

How do fire retardants work?

Long-term fire retardants are mixed with water

before they are dispersed over the target area. When

the water is completely evaporated, the remaining

chemical residue retards vegetation or other

materials from igniting, until it is removed by rain or

erosion. Fire retardants also work by binding to the

plant material (cellulose) and preventing combustion.

Gels and foams are used to fight fires by preventing

the water they are mixed with from evaporating

easily. They coat the fuel (grass, trees and shrubs)

and prevent or slow down combustion. A slurry of gel

can be pumped over the fire and it immediately cools

down the intense heat and helps put out the fire.

What are fire retardants made of?

Long-term fire retardants are essentially fertilisers

(ammonium and diammonium sulphate and

ammonium phosphate) with thickeners (guar gum)

and corrosion inhibitors (for aircraft safety).

Sometimes a red coloured pigment, made from iron

oxide, is added so that those spraying can see

where they have released the fire retardant.

Examples of long-term fire retardants include

Phos-Chek D75-F and Phos-Chek D75-R.

Short-term fire retardant foams are made from a

combination of wetting agents and foaming

chemicals, mixed with water. This allows the water to

penetrate surfaces more easily. Their usefulness is

limited against high-intensity fires, where long-term

retardants have proven more successful. Examples

of short-term fire retardants include Ansul Silv-Ex,

Angus Forexpan S and Phos-Chek WD-881.

Further information

Contact EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or epa.vic.gov.au

• Incident information and updates: emergency.vic.gov.au

• For information about fire retardants and health, contact Environmental Health, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on 1300 761 874.

• For information about the use of fire retardants, contact your local Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) on 136 186 or visit delwp.vic.gov.au

Fire retardants and health

2

What about aqua gels?

Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) can absorb high

volumes of water relative to their own weight. In its

concentrated powder form, SAPs can irritate eyes,

airways and the skin. This does not occur after they

have been mixed with water. When mixed with water

the result is a gel-like substance which acts as a

barrier against evaporation from heat. Gel fire

retardants can be applied via aircraft or trucks as a

firebreak, direct suppression or for structure

protection.

What about brominated flame retardants?

Polybrominated flame retardants (PBFRs) are a

category of chemicals that are widely used in

household and industrial items, including computers,

electronics and electrical equipment, televisions,

textiles, foam furniture, insulating foams, and other

building materials. They are sometimes also called

fire retardants but are quite different from the

chemicals described here and are not used in

fighting bushfires.

What about environmental effects?

Although not a lot of research has been done in this

area, the current evidence does not suggest any

significant effects on birds or mammals.

However, in Australia, long-term fire retardants have

been observed to cause effects on some species of

native plants (leading to low level damage to new

growth). Water plants and animals are more

sensitive to the effects of fire retardants; foams in

particular can be moderately toxic to aquatic life. For

this reason, pilots try not to apply fire retardants

close to waterways.

What about health effects?

Testing shows these chemicals can produce minor

irritant effects. The concentrated powder may cause

minor respiratory irritation to workers who are

handling it. Once it is mixed into slurry this health

effect does not occur. Workers are required to wear

gloves, goggles and dust masks when handling the

powder.

Risk assessments carried out in the United States

and in Victoria demonstrated that the risk of health

effects was very low, even to people who are

accidentally exposed to the fire retardants during

their application.

I live in a fire prone area – what precautions should I take if I have a water tank?

• Disconnect your water tank to prevent

contaminated water from entering it.

• Install a first flush diverter or make sure the first

part of run-off after rain cannot go into your tank.

This will prevent any water run-off from your roof

containing fire retardant from entering your tank.

It will also prevent embers, ash and other

contaminants from entering your drinking water.

What if the fire retardant enters my water tank?

• Do not drink the water. High levels of ammonia

and sulphate in water will make it smell terrible

and taste salty. It will not be suitable as drinking

water for humans or animals (pets or livestock).

• The water can still be used for irrigation and

firefighting purposes.

Tips on cleaning up fire retardant residue

If aerial fire retardant or firefighting foam residue is

present on the house and/or cars, use a mild

detergent with water and brushes to scrub and dilute

the dried residue and flush it from the surfaces.

Rinse with clean water.

A follow-up with pressure washing may help but

should not replace scrubbing to remove the residue.

Gloves and non-slip shoes should be worn as it may

be slippery.