California Sets Wildfire Smoke Home Safety Standards

California is on the verge of becoming the first state to enact comprehensive standards for post-wildfire home safety. The state Legislature has passed two critical bills, AB 1642 and AB 1795, that will direct state agencies to develop and enforce science-based guidelines for remediating homes and schools tainted by wildfire smoke, debris, and ash. These measures are a direct response to the experiences of wildfire survivors who reported inadequate insurance coverage for essential testing and cleanup.

Assembly Bill 1642 tasks the Department of Toxic Substances Control with creating regulatory standards for detecting and removing contaminants like lead and asbestos by the end of 2028, with additional standards for substances such as beryllium to follow by the end of 2029. Its companion bill, AB 1795, ensures that insurance companies will cover the costs of chemical testing and temporary living expenses for residents in affected ZIP codes. This legislation also shifts the burden of proof onto insurers to demonstrate that smoke and ash found in homes were not wildfire-related.

Advocacy groups and wildfire survivors have lauded the passage of these bills, emphasizing the "huge relief" and the establishment of much-needed objective safety standards. Experts note that these standards could serve as a national model. Governor Gavin Newsom has until September 30, 2026, to sign the bills into law. Scientists continue to research the complex chemistry of wildfire smoke, aiming to provide further clarity on its health impacts and the movement of airborne pollutants.