After the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles, a new toxic metal, beryllium, has been discovered in the air and homes, raising health concerns. Beryllium, a naturally occurring metal used in electronics and aerospace, becomes toxic when burned, releasing particles that can cause serious health issues if inhaled over time.
Testing conducted by homeowners revealed elevated beryllium levels in dozens of homes affected by the fires. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the presence of beryllium in homes following wildfires is unprecedented, and experts are unsure of its source.
Industrial hygienist Dawn Bolstad-Johnson, who tested homes between Pacific Palisades and Altadena, reported finding beryllium in nearly two dozen homes. She explained that the metal becomes toxic when burned and can attach to dust or ash. Dr. Lee Newman, a pulmonologist, warned that beryllium exposure can lead to chronic beryllium disease, a life-shortening respiratory illness, as reported by KCRA.
The discovery of beryllium highlights the increasing toxicity of urban wildfires, which now burn through neighborhoods and release hazardous materials. Experts like Keith Bein from the UC Davis Air Quality Research Center are studying the changing chemistry of wildfire smoke, which has become more toxic as fires destroy more built environments. According to the Los Angeles Times, the lack of national or state standards for beryllium in homes complicates efforts to address the contamination.
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