Toxic Chromium Detected After Los Angeles Wildfires

A new study reveals that the January wildfires in Los Angeles left behind elevated levels of toxic hexavalent chromium in the air. The carcinogenic metal was detected in concentrations exceeding 200 times the usual levels, according to the research.

The study, which has not yet been independently verified, was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis. Air samples collected in March showed hexavalent chromium concentrations ranging from 8.1 to 21.6 nanograms per cubic meter of air.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) disputes the findings, pointing out that the study was based on a limited number of samples and that its own data do not show a significant increase in chromium in the air.

Researchers speculate that the pollution may have originated from the retardant foam used to extinguish the fires, as well as from household electronic devices, photovoltaic panels, and vehicles. They emphasize the need for further measurements to determine whether chromium is still present in the air of Los Angeles.

The study is part of a broader effort to record chemical pollutants from the Los Angeles wildfires, which has already detected elevated levels of lead and mercury in the ashes and blood of firefighters.