Toxic metals found in Maui residents months after 2023 wildfires
The health consequences of catastrophic wildfires that burn through towns and cities may extend long after the flames are extinguished and the smoke disappears, according to new research from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES).
New research from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Maui Wildfire Exposure Study found higher levels of toxic metals in Maui residents six to 18 months after the August 2023 wildfires. Compared to U.S. data, participants had 40 times more antimony, 3.8 times more manganese, 2.3 times more barium and 2.2 times more arsenic. Higher combined metal exposure was associated with abnormal lung function.
The study highlights that the source of the elevated metal burden is likely a complex mixture of pre-existing and wildfire-related exposures. Researchers emphasize the need for longitudinal biomonitoring and environmental sampling to understand the long-term health impacts of wildfire exposure.
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