Residents of Maui, especially those in Lahaina, Wailuku and Kahului, continue to face health risks more than a year after the devastating August 2023 wildfires. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports that urine samples from 1,400 adults show significantly elevated concentrations of toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, copper, antimony, manganese, and barium.

Metal exposure tied to lung impairment

The researchers found antimony levels nearly 40 times higher than national biomonitoring averages, manganese 3.8 times higher, barium 2.3 times higher, and arsenic 2.2 times higher. Participants with higher metal concentrations were more likely to exhibit abnormal lung function on standard breathing tests, including reduced capacity and difficulty moving air in and out of the lungs.

Sources of the metals

According to study co‑author Alika Maunakea, a professor of anatomy, biochemistry and physiology at the University of Hawaii‑Manoa, the metals likely stem from the combustion of buildings, vehicles, electronics and other man‑made materials that burned alongside vegetation. “What we’re dealing with, especially in the aftermath of what we experienced in Lahaina, is a much more complicated mixture of these chemical exposures,” Maunakea said.

Geographic pattern mirrors fire damage

The lung effects align with the geographic distribution of smoke and ash. Those living closest to the fire‑ravaged areas of Lahaina, as well as nearby towns of Wailuku and Kahului, showed the greatest metal burdens, while residents farther away, such as in Kula, exhibited lower levels.

Implications for post‑disaster response

The study’s authors urge longer‑term air‑quality monitoring and remediation efforts after major wildfires. “It’s really important to identify potential sources of these exposures and to mitigate and reduce potential risks for re‑exposures,” Maunakea emphasized. The findings suggest that disaster response should extend beyond the immediate danger to address lingering environmental contaminants.

Climate change context

Experts note that a warming climate is making wildfires larger, more intense and more frequent. While the study cannot definitively separate wildfire‑related exposure from other sources such as Hawaii’s geology, diet or historic industrial activity, it adds to a growing body of evidence that climate‑related disasters have lasting health consequences.

Broader health concerns

Ruben Juarez, a co‑author and professor of health economics, warned that similar pathways could affect future disasters, including floods and hurricanes. “These climate‑related disasters can change the environment in ways that continue after the immediate emergency is over,” he said.

Physician Dr. Kekoa Taparra, who was not involved in the study, called the research a valuable addition to understanding the long‑term health burden of such events. “As these events become more frequent and severe, measuring their full health impact will be essential to building more resilient communities and health systems,” Taparra noted.

Local health officials and emergency managers are encouraged to incorporate these findings into recovery plans, ensuring that air‑quality testing, soil remediation and public‑health outreach continue well after flames are extinguished.

Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.