California Wildfires Bring Surprise Guests Lead and Chlorine [SWOP NEWS]

California Wildfires Bring Surprise Guests Lead and Chlorine [SWOP NEWS]

Tackling the Invisible Threat in L.A. Fires:

The beloved city of angels, Los Angeles, bore witness to raging wildfires, causing a spike in atmospheric concentrations of noxious substances. A picturesque urban skyline morphed into a hazy yellow canvas, as research revealed that concentrations of neurotoxic lead rose to 100 times the average levels at the peak of the firestorms even miles away. Similarly, levels of toxic chlorine hiked up to 40 times the average.

Urban Wildfires – A Grave Concern:

Wildfires, unfortunately, move beyond scorching cars, homes, and structures—they unleash hazards that often lurk underground. Old homes harbor lead in their paint and pipes, while chlorine and an array of toxic chemicals are set free when plastic melts and combusts. This newfound knowledge has roped scientists and researchers in a nationwide effort to keep a close check on airborne chemicals in real-time. With climate change knocking at our doors and urban development progression, the chances of wildfires impacting densely populated regions are expected to rise, bringing with them the risks of toxic emissions.

The Health Cost:

Los Angeles might have to brace for an expanded death toll and long-term health burdens due to the toxic smoke. Breathing in lead may cause damage to the brain and nervous system, posing a significant threat to children. When chlorine enters the body, it can adversely impact the lungs and respiratory tract. High concentrations of particulate pollution in wildfire smoke are linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and deaths.

New Ways to Keep a Check:

ASCENT, a new national monitoring network, is at work to measure a wide range of air pollutants in real-time. The readings taken during the L.A. fires showed dangerous pollution levels even miles away from the active fires. Air pollution researchers are now more inclined towards wildfires, especially due to their urban attributes. Given the changing nature of these fires, scientists fear that the smoke may carry more toxic particles making the situation a tad more complicated.




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