Los Angeles Wildfire Survivor Is Struggling To Get the Insurance Payouts That She Needs To Return Home

Extreme weather disasters are becoming more common, more powerful, and more deadly. Large fires, such as the one that burned through Altadena, leave behind toxic metals and chemicals from burning cars, appliances, and other materials found in homes and businesses. Even homes not directly burned, such as the one belonging to Rossana Valverde, become contaminated with cancer-causing toxic smoke, ash, and dust. The decreased air quality and spread of harmful pollutants put communities at risk of long-term health effects. In addition, home insurers are scaling back coverage or exiting markets altogether, leaving families increasingly vulnerable. For the past year, Rossana has been struggling with her insurance company to get the full payout that she needs to free her home of the toxins from the wildfire, so she can finally return home.