A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that during several days of the recent fires, lead levels in the air just south of the Eaton Canyon Fire increased 110-fold compared to earlier levels. The data was collected at a testing site 14 miles south of the fire’s burn zone.
Researchers used a new air quality measurement network called ASCENT to provide real-time measurements of fine particulate matter. Unlike conventional wildfires, these fires ignited homes with pipes, vehicles, plastics, and electronics, which contains lead. Many structures burned were built before 1978 when use of leaded paint was common.
The concern is not about short-term exposure, but chronic long-term exposure to lead. However, scientists are unsure how this short-term exposure might impact human health. Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a lung expert, warned that high lead levels can cause inhalational damage and irritate pre-existing lung diseases like asthma and COPD.
Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. To ensure the air is safe to breathe, the South Coast Air Quality Management District is setting up two testing sites near Altadena Golf Course and Will Rogers State Beach. Scientists will collect samples and test the air for toxic metals and fine particulate matter.
The CDC emphasizes that airborne lead levels do not measure total exposure, and there is no known safe level of lead exposure for children. New steps are being taken to address the issue, but more information can be found on the CDC’s report.
Source: https://abc7.com/post/lead-levels-air-briefly-increased-110-times-eaton-fire-cdc-study-says/15938863