RealFeedApp Lead levels in air reached 80 times normal
Approximately 7 million residents in Los Angeles were exposed to lead concentrations 80 times higher than normal atmospheric levels for 24 hours. A study led by atmospheric chemists from Caltech revealed high concentrations of toxic metals, including lead, chlorine, bromine, zinc, copper, and arsenic, in the urban fire smoke plume.
- Field
- industry news
- What they did
- Researchers from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) published data showing that the Eaton fire, combined with Santa Ana winds in January 2025, exposed 7 million Los Angeles residents to lead levels 80 times higher than normal.
- Why it matters
- The study reveals that urban wildfires release significantly higher concentrations of toxic metals compared to wildland fires, creating distinct health risks for city dwellers.
#air quality#lead exposure#urban fires#california#toxic metals
