Researching Post-wildfire Produce Safety

Air quality in Sonoma County has been significantly impacted by the fires that spread through the region. The full scope of the air contamination is still unknown, but likely includes high concentrations of likely carcinogens including heavy metals, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Local farms and gardens played a significant role in food relief efforts immediately following the start of the fires, contributing produce to shelters and kitchens....

Fire burns near Chateau St Jean, Oct 2017, AP Photo by Jeff Chiu

Crops exposed to smoke from fire near Chateau St Jean, AP Photo by Jeff Chiu

What about produce that was growing near more urban areas? Oct 2017 Tubbs Fire, Coffee Park. Photo by Elijah Nouvelage, The Chronicle

201710 Tubbs Fire, Coffee Park. Photo by Elijah Nouvelage, The Chronicle