A University of Hawaiʻi study of 1,400 Maui adults found toxic metal levels far above national averages up to 18 months after the 2023 wildfires. Those with the highest combined metal loads were significantly more likely to show abnormal lung function.
- Participants showed antimony levels nearly 40 times the national average, with manganese, barium, and arsenic also significantly elevated.
- Between 18% and 31% of participants scored below normal on breathing tests, with higher metal loads linked to 50–85% greater odds of abnormal results.
- Elevated metals matched those found in post-fire ash, soil, and dust collected across Maui, suggesting ongoing environmental exposure.
- The study covered residents across all of Maui County, not just Lahaina, indicating island-wide health impact.
- Researchers note that standard air quality monitoring may underestimate how much fire pollution is actually absorbed into people’s bodies.
Source: Earth
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