VenGerpen said: “We don’t know the long-term effects of all this exposure, and we haven’t seen it on this large scale and this many electric vehicles.”
He cited lithium-ion batteries as “incredibly toxic.
“Even if they look like they’re intact, like they weren’t damaged, they could have damage on the inside, VerGerpen added.
“So they can continue to off-gas. The off-gassing from these lithium-ion batteries can be toxic to your health.”
Another concern is that the heat exposure means they “can spontaneously explode”.
He warned: “There’s a lot of hazards that people don’t typically think of, but these aren’t something that you can just eliminate.
“You have to have specialists coming out there, identify them and then properly remove them.
Debris clearing cannot be undertaken until the EPA teams identify and remove the hazards.
LA Mayor Karen Bass confirmed: “What is so difficult for people is to understand that right now, especially if their place was destroyed, it’s really toxic.
“It’s dangerous for them to be there. There will be a time when they can do the cleaning, but the EPA has to be in charge of this phase. “
Evacuation orders have been lifted meaning residents are allowed back to check on their homes or what remains.
However, LA and federal authorities are urging them to stay there for a minimal time.
Officials are not providing a specific timeline for when rebuilding can begin.
Oscar winner Hopkins, 87, was heartbroken at losing his home, where he famously painted many of his successful artwork,
He posted on Instagram: “As we all struggle to heal from the devastation of these fires, it’s important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
