2025

Los Angeles Times | "Palisades and Eaton firefighters had elevated blood levels of mercury and lead, according to an early study"

LAT LAFD health study

The Los Angeles Times cited a study that found the blood of a group of 20 firefighters called to duty during the recent Los Angeles County wildfires had levels of lead and mercury in their blood that was significantly higher than what health experts consider to be safe — and also higher than firefighters exposed to a forest fire.

The results are part of the longer-term LA Fire Health Study, which is investigating the health impacts of the January fires on those exposed to the toxins it released into the environment. The team includes the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health's David Eisenman, Michael Jerrett, Katie McNamara, and Yifang Zhu.

Read the Los Angeles Times article

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