Syft Technologies reposted this
After the recent fires in the Los Angeles area, I began reflecting on how SIFT-MS could help measure the toxic VOCs left behind in both the air and soil. While we have a general understanding of the VOCs generated by wildfires, the unprecedented destruction to homes and man-made materials presents a new challenge, and the long-term impacts remain poorly understood. Will my children be exposed to these toxins in the garden or on the playground? How long will these harmful substances persist? I connected with a group of concerned mothers in Pasadena and Altadena, who were living much closer to the affected areas. Some are still unable to return home until extensive remediation is completed. We spent days collecting air and soil samples from homes, parks, schools, and yards, hoping to provide these families with some peace of mind. In collaboration with a PhD student and the MIC Core Facility at UCLA, we analyzed dozens of samples to better understand the lingering effects of these devastating fires. The results confirmed our concerns regarding soil VOC levels and led to lasting friendships with like-minded families. Ultimately, I hope this work contributes to more effective remediation efforts and helps inform responses to future fires. Syft Technologies #EatonFire #PalisadesFire #AirMonitoring #VOCAnalysis #SIFTMS https://lnkd.in/grjiuEJP