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https://theconversation.com/after-maui-fires-human-health-risks-linger-in-the-air-water-and-even-surviving-buildings-211404>
"People returning to what remains of the beachside town of Lahaina, Hawaii, and
other Maui communities after one of the nation’s deadliest wildfire disasters
face more dangers, beyond the 2,700 buildings destroyed or damaged and dozens
of lives lost. The fires also left lingering health risks for humans and
wildlife.
When fires spread through communities, as we’ve seen more often in recent
years, they burn structures that contain treated wood, plastics, paints and
hazardous household wastes. They can burn vehicles and melt plastic water
pipes. All of these items release toxic gases and particles.
Many airborne pollutants fall to the ground, and when debris or dust is stirred
up, hazardous particles can enter the air, where people can easily breathe them
in.
Chemicals can also contaminate water supplies. On Aug. 11, 2023, Maui County
issued an “unsafe water” alert for areas of Lahaina and Upper Kula that were
affected by wildfires, warning residents to use only bottled water for drinking
and cooking, and not rely on boiling tap water because of the risk of harmful
chemicals.
As an environmental engineer, I work with colleagues to help communities
respond to and recover from wildfires and other disasters, including the
Marshall Fire in Boulder County, Colorado, and the Camp Fire that destroyed
Paradise, California. Lahaina and other Maui communities face similar risks
ahead."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
