A home burns during the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, California, on Jan. 8, 2025. (Photo by … [+]
AFP via Getty Images
Over 10,000 homes and structures were destroyed by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, exposing millions of residents and first responders to harmful ash and smoke. This exposure may pose long-term health risks similar to those faced by military personnel exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The materials burned in the wildfires, including plastics, batteries, paint, electronics, and petroleum products, released toxic chemicals into the air. This mirrors the exposure experienced by service members near military burn pits. The Department of Veterans Affairs has acknowledged the health risks associated with burn pit exposure, with 73% of veterans’ claims being granted.
The health consequences of exposure to ash and pollutants from burn pits include respiratory diseases, cancers, and other serious medical issues. The toxins released from burning materials can have lasting effects on individuals’ health.
In addition to the immediate dangers of the fires, the cleanup and recovery process exposes individuals to toxic substances present in the ash. Research shows that breathing in these substances can lead to both short-term and long-term health risks.
The widespread destruction caused by the wildfires released hazardous byproducts, such as benzene from petroleum-based products and lithium from batteries and electronics. Proper disposal of these materials is essential to prevent further environmental contamination.
It is crucial for residents affected by the fires to seek medical care and be educated about the potential health risks associated with exposure to toxic chemicals and ash. Public awareness and proactive measures are necessary to address the ongoing health crisis in Los Angeles.
Residents residing in fire-affected areas must be notified that their properties are assumed to be contaminated. Only professionals equipped with proper personal protective gear such as N95 masks or P100 respirators with appropriate filters should engage in the cleanup of ash and other contaminated debris. This situation is comparable to asbestos removal in terms of concern and risk to the public.
Local public health authorities should concentrate on identifying those who were exposed and the duration of exposure, similar to the approach taken by the VA for exposed veterans. For instance, Northwell Health in New York is conducting a project to monitor the long-term lung effects among veterans exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Healthcare providers need to be informed about the risks posed to their patients from such exposure and should monitor them for early signs of lung and heart disease. The exposure of infants and children to the contaminants is particularly concerning, and academic medical centers in the L.A. metro area should develop programs to study and treat this at-risk population.
Prior to discussing the rebuilding and reconstruction of the affected areas, political leaders should address the range of public health issues. Legislation akin to the PACT Act should be enacted to expand benefits for affected L.A. citizens, aiming to reduce the risk of developing various cancers in the future. This approach is crucial for expediting environmental cleanup and ensuring proper medical follow-up for cancer detection.
It is vital for national, state, and local leaders to address this significant public health issue before proceeding with the rebuilding of L.A. county’s affected areas. Acting promptly may help save billions of dollars that would otherwise be spent on medical care for issues stemming from this catastrophic fire in the years to come.
Dr. Peter Papadakos has contributed to this article. Please rewrite this sentence.
