Multiple sources, including Yale Environment 360 and Yahoo News, report on new research finding elevated levels of arsenic and other toxic metals in Lahaina residents more than a year after the 2023 wildfire. The findings come from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES) and build on earlier research showing lasting health consequences for the community.
- New MauiWES research found elevated toxic metal levels — including arsenic — in Lahaina residents months after the August 2023 fires, with higher exposure linked to impaired lung function.
- Earlier MauiWES research had already found that more than 1 in 5 Maui residents showed reduced lung function following the fires.
- Researchers have not yet determined how much contamination came from the fires versus pre-existing environmental sources.
- The Maui Medic Healers Hui continues to operate a free clinic in Lahaina, though co-founder Noelani Ahia says the community needs at least 10 more clinics to meet ongoing health needs.
- MauiWES co-director Alika Maunakea noted that wildfire health impacts can no longer be viewed as isolated, one-time events.
Sources
- Yale: Long After Maui Fire, Residents Found With High Levels of Toxic Metals in Their Bodies
- Yahoo: Long After Maui Fire, Residents Found With High Levels of Toxic Metals in Their Bodies
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