California Wildfires Transform Benign Chromium into Carcinogenic Form, New Research Finds

Intense heat from wildfires can create hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, which can persist in soil and ash for nearly a year, posing potential health risks.

California wildfires have been found to transform a benign form of chromium found in the soil into a carcinogenic form, hexavalent chromium, due to the intense heat of the fires.
Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen, associated with lung cancer and other health issues. It can persist in soil and ash for nearly a year after a wildfire.
The carcinogenic form of chromium is most prevalent in areas with metal-rich geologies and where fires burn more severely.
Climate change, which intensifies wildfires, could increase the risk of exposure to this toxic metal.
Further research is needed to understand the risk and potential health impacts of exposure to hexavalent chromium during and after wildfires.