Prof. Sanjay Mohanty was featured in a recent NBC News article examining the lingering environmental and public health impacts following the Eaton Fire in Altadena. The story highlights growing concerns over toxic contamination, including elevated levels of lead and other hazardous materials found in homes and soil more than a year after the wildfire.

Mohanty discussed findings from testing conducted on approximately 1,300 affected properties, noting that many homes and burned lots continued to exceed California safety thresholds for lead contamination even after cleanup efforts. He also emphasized the need for stronger oversight and standardized testing practices during debris removal and remediation processes.

The NBC News feature underscores the critical role of environmental engineering research in understanding the long-term impacts of urban wildfires and protecting affected communities through science-based assessment and remediation strategies.

Read the full article here: The toxic aftermath of the L.A.-area fires: Why contamination is keeping people out of their homes

Read more features on Sanjay Mohanty:

• One Year After LA Fires, UCLA Civil & Environmental Engineers Leads Post-Fire Recovery and Mitigation Breakthroughs
• EdSource Article Highlights Professor Sanjay Mohanty’s Expertise on Wildfire Health Risks
• CEE Prof. Sanjay Mohanty Aid LA Wildfire Recovery, Address Post-Fire Hazards
• Professor Sanjay Mohanty Featured in LA Times for Post-Wildfire Soil Testing Efforts
• Professor Sanjay Mohanty Featured in CNN for Microplastics Research
• Is L.A.’s Soil Safe After Wildfires? Prof. Sanjay Mohanty Helps Homeowners Find Out
• Bursting Your Bubble: UCLA Study Led by Prof. Sanjay Mohanty Finds Chewing Gum Releases Microplastics into Saliva