Six months have passed since the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles, which claimed 30 lives and destroyed over 16,000 structures. Concerns about contamination have lingered, particularly for coastal communities, as rains washed hazardous materials from burned sites into the ocean.
According to LAist, testing of sand and water samples from Malibu, Palisades, and Santa Monica beaches revealed that heavy metals and other chemicals were not at levels high enough to pose health risks to beachgoers. However, caution is still advised near ongoing debris clearing operations.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health lifted the ocean water quality advisory in early April, but advises avoiding visible fire debris on beaches. Tracy Quinn, CEO of the environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the event and the challenges in assessing all potential contaminants.
The Los Angeles Times reported that despite extensive testing, there are no established health guidelines for exposure to fire-related pollutants in recreational waters. This has made it difficult for public health officials to provide clear safety recommendations.
The fires caused significant ecological damage, with toxic ash and residue entering the ocean. While tests found some heavy metals in seawater, levels were not high enough to harm humans. However, these contaminants could accumulate in marine life over time.
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