We also found elevated VOCs volatile organic compounds in airborne samples.
Some VOCs, such asdioxins,benzene,formaldehydeandPAHs, can be toxic to humans.
Benzene is aknown carcinogen.
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Many survey respondents said that the smells decreased over time.
Despite this, many still had symptoms.
We also found that living near a large number of burned structures was associated with these health symptoms.
We found a significantdecline in the number of peoplereporting symptoms one year after the fire.
About the same percentage also reported at least one symptom two years after the fire.
We also could not measure the level of VOCs or metals that each person was exposed to.
That likely has health implications for people whose homes are exposed to smoke or ash from a wildfire.
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