Hello Rosa, We are being asked to do site visits in Malibu and Pacific Palisades, but we are being accompanied by environmental specialists. We are being asked to assess damage and inspect artworks for soot deposit, but we have asked for specialists to measure air quality and take any samples. I think collectors and insurance are very worried and would like peace of mind, but I agree that air quality tests may be premature. As long as it is safe for everyone to visit sites in specific areas, we are more than happy to respond with the caveat that the fires remain a threat and we are not yet post-disaster.
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Veronica Romero-Gianoli
Director of Conservation
ArtCare Conservation
Miami
United States
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2025 12:20
From: Rosa Lowinger
Subject: LA Fire Question about air quality testing
A house museum client has asked us to monitor their air quality to see if there is infiltration into their system. They are located very close to the Palisades fire, where the fire has not yet dissipated. We are scheduled to go over to test the interior for the presence of soot on walls and objects. Here is my question: It seems to me that it's premature to monitor air quality before we know if the interior is contaminated with actual soot and before the fires have been put out. What would be the point of that right now? Wouldn't this best be done once cleaning is completed or at least underway and the fires are put out? We've worked on lots of fire recovery and this is the first time we've been asked to test the air quality so early in the process.
Rosa Lowinger, F-AIC, FAPT, FAAR '09
Founder/ Principal Conservator
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