Rep. Judy Chu Statement on New Findings of Lead and Asbestos Contamination in Eaton Fire-Affected Homes

PASADENA, CA - On November 6, 2025, the Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), a local, grassroots group advocating for survivors of the Eaton Fire, released new findingsshowing that even after professional remediation, more than half of standing homes within the region where ash settled following the Eaton Fire still contain dangerous levels of lead, and one third of those homes have significant levels of asbestos contamination. This is despite remediation efforts designed to remove toxic substances from these homes.

"I am deeply alarmed by the findings released by the Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), which show that despite remediation efforts, our neighbors and loved ones are still at risk of exposure to high levels of lead and asbestos that remain in their homes. Many of the homes tested have levels of contamination high enough for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require further remediation efforts, and we know that exposure to these toxins can lead to serious health consequences like cancer and brain damage," said Rep. Chu. "It is unacceptable that, as many survivors of the Eaton Fire see their compensation for temporary housing deplete, many of our neighbors are being forced to decide between a roof over their heads or risking exposure to deadly toxins.

"These findings make it clear that we must take further action to protect the health and wellbeing of our neighbors, loved ones, and environment. That's why I urge Governor Newsom, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to immediately adopt a Clearance Before Occupancy standard to ensure that survivors can feel safe from exposure to toxins before returning to their homes. I urge Commissioner Lara to call on the insurance companies to cover testing, and also do multiple remediations until the home is cleared. I also urge an immediate extension of Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage so that survivors can have as stable roof over their heads as their homes continue to be remediated and tested. Finally, I urge Governor Newsom to declare an "Ash Zone" to provide a formal recognition of homes outside of a fire's direct burn zone but nonetheless impacted by ash and smoke. This designation would protect the health and wellbeing of our community members, as well as make it easier for impacted households to demonstrate the impact they've experienced following a fire and receive the compensation and assistance needed."