I covered the L.A. fires in the Palisades. So I had my blood tested for lead
Los Angeles TimesWednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM
A reporter who covered the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles' Palisades area decided to get his blood tested for lead after learning how the fires released dangerous contaminants—like lead from old paints and plastics—into the air. He wasn’t alone; hundreds of locals did the same, worried about the hidden health risks lurking in the smoke and ash.
Editor’s Note: Wildfires don’t just destroy homes and landscapes—they can also unleash toxic substances that linger long after the flames are out. This story hits close to home for anyone living in fire-prone areas, especially older neighborhoods where lead-based paints and other hazardous materials might have been common. It’s a stark reminder that the dangers of wildfires go beyond what we can see.
— Curated via WP Now’s
