inter-institutional AQ Study 2025

Parents Against Santa Susana Field Lab (PASSFL) is volunteering with the “Inter-Institutional Air Quality Study 2025 Los Angeles” as a community service. PASSFL was trained in ash sampling after the Woolsey Fire, and when asked to help after the LA Fires, PASSFL Co-Directors Jeni and Melissa eagerly agreed. PASSFL is now trying to support involved groups and impacted communities by building bridges and sharing resources. PASSFL fully understands the importance of toxic-free environments and public health.

Please visit our RESOURCES page to learn more.

Screenshot of results from LA Fires Air Quality research

AQ DATA AVAILABLE

Preliminary, real-time air quality data from UC Davis’ Air Quality Lab is now public on ASCENT.

AQ Scientific Study Leads

  • Dr. Nicholas Spada

    Dr. Nicholas Spada of the University of California, Davis Air Quality Research Center

    Email: njspada@ucdavis.edu

  • Dr. Ira Leifer

    Dr. Ira Leifer of Bubbleology Research International; University of California, Santa Barbara

    Email: ira.leifer@bubbleology.com

  • Dr. Mohammed Baalousha

    Dr. Mohammed Baalousha of the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health

    Email: mbaalous@mailbox.sc.edu

Photo courtesy of Shelly Magier, 2025

Self Sample Protocol

The step-by-step directions will allow you to send ash samples from your residence or public property to be analyzed in the “Inter-Institutional Air Quality Study: 2025 Los Angeles.”

  • Samples collected while trespassing will be accepted.

  • Safety measures should be followed closely.

  • Following the protocol will allow you to be a “Citizen Scientist” for this study.

Inter-Institutional Air Quality Study: 2025 Los Angeles

This study is not:

  • Not providing immediate results. It may take months to years for the complete data analysis and results, depending on the research criteria of each institution.

  • Not accepting ash samples from areas outside Greater Los Angeles.

  • Not providing medical, insurance, or legal advice or documentation.

  • Not accepting samples collected from trespassing.

  • Not accepting ash created from fireplaces, barbeques, or intentional fire sources.

The “Inter-Institutional Air Quality Study 2025 Los Angeles” study will be publishing studies regarding toxic air quality pollutants unique to Urban Wildfires. The inter-institutional effort is to collect large quantities of comprehensive air quality measurements along with residual and transported ash. Ashes will be homogenized, characterized for toxic metals, and then made available to the wide scientific community.

We apologize that due to capacity limitations, PASSFL has not been able to help every person who has expressed interest and is not accepting new sample locations at this time. Please see the self-sampling protocol (above) to send your samples to the study directly.

This study is:

  • Accepting ash quantities of a minimum of two tablespoons per sample. Less than this amount can not be analyzed, with no exceptions. 

  • Eagerly accepting large samples, up to a gallon of ash, per location.

  • Accepting ash samples from residents impacted by the January 2025 Los Angeles Fires.

  • Collecting indoor and outdoor ash samples from residences or public property. 

  • Prioritizing ash samples from urban wildfires, such as burned homes or structures.

ASh Safety Flyer

This flyer includes basic and maximum PPE suggestions for people working in the burned-out areas from the LA Fires.

RELATED