As Maui residents are reeling from the wildfires that killed more than 110 people, they may face another consequence of the devastation: “toxic” air.
According to guidance issued by the Hawaii State Department of Health, the burn area remains hazardous, and top concerns include “toxic contaminants” present in debris and ash. The state’s health department warned dangerous heavy metals and chemicals may also be present in the ash and that people near the burn site should wear personal protective equipment to avoid skin contact.
The Environmental Protection Agency is working to remove hazardous materials from the area, a process that works in two phases. The first phase includes an overall federal cleanup response, in which it will look to remove everyday products such as paints, batteries, and pesticides. Phase 2 will look to remove debris and hazardous materials such as asbestos and will be completed by an outside agency that has yet to be determined.
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