Caitlin Hernández is LAist's LA Explained writer.
If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.If you’ve been concerned about what may be in your body after this year’s firestorm, there’s a new way you can find out.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is offering free testing to help people check lead levels in their blood. It’s available through May, although it could be extended.Wildfire smoke, ash and debris can contain harmful substances like lead. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious long-term health issues, according to the. Lead can be removed through chelation therapy — a treatment that binds to metals in the blood and takes them out of the system.In this case of a wildfire, firefighters are typically at higher risk for that prolonged exposure because they’re in the thick of the debris for extended periods. But children are, at risk of learning disabilities and developmental delays as they grow. In adults, lead buildup can cause things like high blood pressure and kidney damage.of it in the body. That’s why it’s important to take proactive steps if you were around the fires. Elevated lead levelsThe county has already started testing people — and the results seem encouraging so far. As of its latest update on, none of its nearly 200 tests came back above the CDC’s blood lead reference value, which is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter.Ask your doctor to do it The county’s testing is being done at these locations and times, though more may be added in the coming weeks. Typically no one is turned away, according to the public health department, but it does verify whether someone is from a burn area by collecting their address.At a time when trusted news and information are more important than ever, your donation ensures that LAist can continue to serve everyone in our community. Make a powerful statement that you value quality reporting from LAist and safeguard the future of public media today with your gift.One of Jackie and Shadow’s chicks has died. Volunteers tell fans: 'Grieve and feel whatever you feel' Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that manages the popular YouTube livestream of the nest, confirmed the news Saturday.Thousands of trees will go unplanted in Los Angeles after Musk pulls funding Tens of millions of dollars in grants were withdrawn across the country, targeting programs that plant trees in low-income communities.LA County and two cities sue SoCal Edison over damage from deadly Eaton Fire The lawsuits allege that SCE's equipment caused the fire that destroyed swaths of Altadena, prompting massive emergency response and ongoing cleanup costs.Rancho Palos Verdes homes continue to slide into the ocean, but the destruction could have been avoided For years, experts warned against developing the unstable cliff top, but property owners prevailed. Now they’re paying the price.Rob Caves and his partner's Christmas Tree Lane home survived the Eaton Fire, like the majority of houses on his block. But with ash in the air and no drinkable water, few of his neighbors have returned.Reopening of the Palisades was scheduled for 8 a.m. Sunday. But on Saturday night, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said checkpoints will remain in place, after she secured additional law enforcement resources from Gov. Gavin Newsom.I just couldn’t get comfortable with hearing only one side of an issueSearing audit finds city of LA has failed to properly track billions in homelessness spending
Los Angeles La County Lead Contamination Lead In Blood Fire Smoke Ash Wildfire
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