BREAKING: A shocking new study has revealed that toxic levels of hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, lingered in the air of Los Angeles for months following the devastating wildfires in January 2023. Researchers detected these levels in late March, measuring up to 200 times higher than normal air quality benchmarks.
As the cleanup from the Eaton and Palisades fires commenced, researchers noted alarmingly high concentrations of this pollutant in affected neighborhoods, including Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The study, led by Michael Kleeman from the University of California Davis, was made available on Research Square and has been reviewed by the LA Health Consortium.
The presence of hexavalent chromium—infamously known from the film Erin Brockovich—raises immediate health concerns despite being below certain safety thresholds. The particles measured were astonishingly small, with sizes less than 56 nanometers, making them a significant risk as they can penetrate deep into the body’s systems.
Kleeman stated, “Nanoparticles smaller than 50 nanometers can cross cell membranes, meaning they can get deeper into our bodies than larger particles.” This newfound threat coincides with increasing global temperatures and frequent wildfires, emphasizing the urgency of understanding and addressing air quality in urban areas.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has attempted to mitigate fears by asserting that their own data do not indicate an immediate health risk. However, the findings necessitate caution as hexavalent chromium exposure has been linked to increased cancer risks, particularly lung, nasal, and sinus cancers, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In terms of concentration, the study revealed hexavalent chromium levels ranging from 8.1 to 21.6 nanograms per cubic meter in the most impacted areas. While these amounts are below the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health workplace limit of 200 nanograms per cubic meter, they exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s indoor limit of 0.1 nanograms per cubic meter.
Kleeman and his team plan to return to the affected areas to monitor whether airborne levels have returned to normal and to identify potential sources of this hazardous substance. He emphasized that “California is in a new reality where climate change is driving wildfires into major urban areas.”
With rising temperatures and the increasing frequency of wildfires, understanding the implications of this study is critical for public health and safety. The community is urged to stay informed and vigilant as further updates become available.
As this story develops, it highlights the urgent need for collaboration in tackling the effects of climate change and ensuring air quality is prioritized in urban planning and disaster response.
Keep following for more updates on this urgent environmental concern that could impact the health of countless Angelenos.
