Residents of Lahaina, a historic town in Maui, are still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating wildfire that tore through their homes and businesses. However, their troubles are far from over as they now face the danger of “toxic air.”
Wildfire smoke not only poses risks to breathing, but it also releases toxic chemicals when it burns through urban areas, including industrial items, buildings, and cars. The state’s Department of Health has identified “toxic contaminants present in debris and ash” as a major concern in Lahaina, along with heavy metals and chemicals like asbestos. Cleaning up all these hazardous materials will be a lengthy process, according to Diana Felton, the state toxicologist.
Felton warns that areas filled with ash and debris should be approached with extreme caution, especially considering that many older buildings in the city may have had lead paint or asbestos. Exposure to these substances can have detrimental effects on health if inhaled or touched. “You don’t really want to be exposed to any of this stuff,” Felton advises.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently engaged in removing hazardous materials from the affected area in two phases. The agency plans to safely collect and dispose of items such as paints, cleaners, solvents, batteries, asbestos, and pressurized fuel cylinders like propane tanks. County Councilmember Tamara Paltin asserts her belief that the situation is toxic, given the presence of arsenic, asbestos, and lead. Some volunteers working in the burnt zone have reported adverse effects, such as coughing up blood.
Residents like Kiley Adolpho have personally experienced the impacts of the wildfire, describing a burning sensation in the chest and throat in the Red Zone where evacuations took place. Adolpho acknowledges the necessity of using a respirator to protect against dust and fine particles, although it may not fully guard against the toxic air. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that wildfire ash can irritate various parts of the body and recommends individuals in ashen areas, particularly children, asthma or COPD sufferers, those with heart disease, and pregnant women, to wear respirators for prevention. Another resident, Kekoa Lansford, also suffered respiratory issues from the wildfire, including coughing up black and unpleasant substances.
Adolpho believes that this problem will persist for years and continue to impact the native population with increased sickness over time. The road to recovery is long and challenging for Lahaina’s residents.
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