#toxic substances

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health released data today showing elevated levels of arsenic, lead, antimony, cobalt, and copper in wildfire ash collected in Lahaina.  The Lahaina data validates that the primary contaminant of concern is arsenic, a heavy metal that adheres to wildfire dust and ash. Department officials say this finding reinforces the need to diligently follow recommendations to reduce potential exposure.

Preliminary, unvalidated data from ash sampling received late Friday night shows very high levels of arsenic, and elevated levels of lead and cobalt, in wildfire ash collected in Kula — and ash in the Lahaina burn zone is expected to have a similar profile, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health announced on Sunday.