Known carcinogen is showing up in wildfire ash, researchers are worried (2023)

Researchers have found high levels of the known carcinogen hexavalent chromium in California wildfire ash, raising concerns about the health risks of breathing air near wildfires. The study, published in Nature Communications, detected dangerous levels of chromium 6 in ash from the Kincade and Hennessey fires in 2019 and 2020. Exposure to hexavalent chromium is linked to increased rates of lung cancer, as seen in workers with elevated exposure levels. The findings are alarming as wildfires worsen due to climate change, with smoke traveling long distances and affecting populations globally. The intense heat from wildfires transforms benign metals like chromium into toxic forms. The study's results suggest potential wildfire exposure risks for other toxic metals and emphasize the importance of taking precautions, such as wearing N95 masks during wildfire events. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the health impacts of wildfire smoke containing hexavalent chromium.