Maui wildfire survivors show lasting toxic metal exposure and lung effects

A study of Maui residents found elevated levels of harmful metals in their bodies months after the 2023 wildfires, with higher exposure tied to reduced lung function. Researchers are still trying to determine how much of the contamination came from the fires and how much was already present in the environment. The findings add to evidence that major wildfires in populated areas can create health risks that persist long after the flames are out.

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The August 2023 Maui fires left more than 100 dead, thousands of homes lost, and billions of dollars in damage. Noelani Ahia, a Kanaka Maoli co-founder of Maui Medic Healers Hui, coordinated close to 600 volunteers, among them doctors, nurses, and therapists.

The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study examined 1,400 adults on Maui six to 18 months afterward, analyzing 24 urine metals. Compared with a national pre-fire survey, participants showed higher arsenic, barium, and manganese, while antimony was nearly 40 times higher. Researchers lack comparable pre-fire local data and received a