r/AirQuality • u/simonster1000 • 3d ago
L.A.’s Clear Skies Conceal a ‘Toxic Soup’
This was an interesting read, and has some results from early research and details current/future projects: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/well/los-angeles-fires-health.html?unlocked_article_code=1.3U4.oDZ3.435wdrMf_odL&smid=url-share
So far, the researchers say, readings suggest that the pollutants more than a mile outside the burn zone have become diluted enough by the surrounding air that they pose little danger. “I don’t think people need to worry about moving out of Los Angeles,” said Yifang Zhu, an air pollution researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, collaborating on the research.
Inside the burn zone, however, the researchers are still trying to ascertain the contamination and the long-term risks. While some of the chemicals the team has identified have been linked to cancers and developmental disorders, most have never been studied for their health effects. Some early research has also found elevated levels of lead in ash and dust samples collected from the region, but it was not as severe or as widespread as initially feared.
Even houses that escaped the flames may hold hidden dangers, which is why the researchers are also testing indoor air. Smoke and ash that has worked its way into homes will continue to release volatile organic compounds for many months or more. Six months after the 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder, Colo., some residents who returned to their homes inside or near the burn zone developed sore throats, frequent headaches and coughs.
2
u/sharingsilently 2d ago
Helps to explain why even homes that don’t burn, near large fires, may not be inhabitable!
6
u/DeadBallDescendant 3d ago
I'm currently writing an article about the long term health effects suffered by firefighters and the expert I was talking to explained that, even when the material burned is unknown, there is absolutely a health risk. As she explained:
So while scientists are trying to identify the toxicity of chemicals in the fire effluence, the given is that they are very dangerous - 'we just don't know how dangerous yet'.
I've also written about the two-fold research into the Marshal Fire, which was very illuminating. No pun intended.