hexavalent chromium
“chrome 6”
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and do about the recent Chrome 6 findings.
*This information has been checked for accuracy and non-bias by licensed insurance experts and representatives from National 501c3’s specialized in insurance advocacy. We are not insurance brokers. Consult with a licensed professional about your insurance policy and specific situation.
what is chrome 6
Chromium-6, or Hexavalent Chromium, is a type of chromium that’s much more toxic than the safer kind usually found in the environment, called chromium-3.
Chromium-6 is the highly toxic, cancer-causing form.
What is
going on?
Nearly 8 months after the fires, new data from LA Fire HEALTH confirms scientists’ suspicions - a metal called chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium) has been detected around the Palisades and Eaton Fire burn scars.
According to the study, weather models and previous research suggest that nanoparticles like those found could have traveled up to six miles from the fire-affected area.
“Ok, that doesn't sound chill...”
It’s not, which is why we’re coming together to answer questions and give you tangible steps to help protect you and your family.
This is not a cause for panic.
These are early results, and more information is forthcoming. The harmful effects of this metal depend on how much you’re exposed to, as well as your overall health.
“The levels detected won't make people sick in the short term, but we need to make sure they have gone back down after the cleanup before we can relax.”
- Dr. Michael Kleeman, UC Davis, LA Fire HEALTH
"Nanoparticles"?
Yes, nanoparticles. Normally, we measure in micrometers.
A micrometer (also called a micron) is already tiny…a millionth of a meter. Think of it like a teeny tiny grain of dust.
A nanometer is 1,000 times smaller than that. So small you can’t even see it with a regular microscope. It’s like the difference between a little Lego block (micrometer) and a tiny piece of dust from shaving that Lego down 1,000 times smaller (nanometer).
The reason that’s important in this study is because of how nanoparticles behave. They’re small enough to enter cells in the body and light enough that they can travel several miles from burn zones.
“What kind of air purifier should I get?”
Some recommendations from Dr. Joe Allen of Harvard, Certified Industrial Hygienist:
HEPA air filtration is essential. This cleans 99.7% of all particles, including Chrome 6 nanoparticles.
Brand doesn’t matter, only the specs
Look for highest CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and HEPA filters
You don’t need/want add-ons (eg, ionizers)
After CADR, look for lowest noise. (You don’t want to be turning it off because it’s too loud.)
Activated Charcoal/Carbon filters can also capture gases, but these are much more expensive and may not be effective in the long term.
Air purifier size calculator
Confused about what size air purifier to buy? Use this calculator.
mask & respirator guide
Unsure if you need a P100 or an N95? This guide can help.
“What can I do?”
All Who Are Potentially Exposed
Use HEPA air filtration in all indoor spaces.
Install HEPA filters in central air systems when possible. Otherwise upgrade filter to highest MERV level possible (at least 13 or higher). Avoid “electrostatic” or “electret” MERV filters.
Use a “P100+Multigas” Respirator when visiting the burn scars or highly contaminated areas, and N95 masks when adjacent.
Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise within or near the burn scars.
Children, elders and pregnant people are more vulnerable.
Join the UCLA Research registry.
Standing Structures
Hexavalent Chromium nanoparticles, (and lead), are not visible to the naked eye, and cannot be addressed using at-home cleaning methods.
If you are within, or up to 6 miles around either burn scar:
Install HEPA filters in central air systems when possible.
Operate HEPA air filters at all times, especially in rooms you spend a lot of time in.
Hire a Professional Certified Industrial Hygienist (only) to do a full metals test of at least RCRA 8 or CAM 17, along with TEM testing for asbestos.
Follow remediation recommendations issued by a Professional Certified Industrial Hygienist (only).
Have your home re-tested after remediation for clearance.
For more in depth guidance, here’s a guide from Harvard.
Schools
Request testing, remediation, and post-clearance test results be made available by school officials, including:
TEM asbestos
CAM17 Metals + Lithium
VOCs
PAHs
Cyanide Group Gasses
Total Loss
Following debris removal:
Have your soils professionally tested (not self-submitted), using “CAM17, Lithium and Cr6” testing.*
Follow remediation recommendations issued by a Professional Certified Industrial Hygienist (only).
Have your lot re-tested for clearance.
Have your lot periodically re-tested during the rebuilding phase for cross contamination.
*This testing Recommendation is made by CAP.LA.
Outdoor Workers
If you are currently or have been working in or near the burn scars since January 8th:
Wear a “P100+Multigas” respirator at all times during work/exposure.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, consult with CAL/OSHA.
Firefighters
Cedars-Sinai is offering care to firefighters who worked on the January 2025 LA Wildfires.
Reach out to Dr. Susan Cheng - susan.cheng@cshs.org
“Are there symptoms I should watch out for?”
Breathing chromium-6 at high levels (over time) can cause or worsen health conditions. They present like allergy symptoms when breathed in and rash when in contact. Some of those symptoms include irritation of the nose, throat and lungs, itchy hands and feet, wheezing or shortness of breath. If these symptoms persist, please see a doctor.
LA Fire HEALTH will soon come out with information specifically for medical professionals so they can support individuals experiencing exposure symptoms.
“What kind of blood test do I want to get if I have/had symptoms?”
General Physicians will not be able to perform blood tests for Hexavalent Chromium, it will need to be a research study.
Dr. Kari Nadeau from Harvard is currently working to secure funding to provide mail-in blood test kits, and will provide in person testing in Los Angeles in September.
If you would like updates on this, share your email here.
“do I need to stop building?”
No, halting work is not necessary, but:
Professional Certified Industrial Hygienist Heavy Metals testing of your soils and associated remediation measures are strongly recommended.
This test should be a Cam-17 Plus Lithium test, or better.
“Can my home or lot get re-contaminated during rebuilding since it’s airborne?”
In short answer, yes that is possible.
Re-testing of your soils during and after the building process is recommended.
Watch the Q&A
On August 28th, we co-hosted a live Q&A webinar with the scientists behind these findings.
Panelists:
Dr. Kari Nadeau and Dr. Joe Allen from Harvard
Dr. Yifang Zhu and Dr. Mike Jerrett from UCLA
Dr. Michael Kleeman from UC Davis
Presented By:
“will there be more testing?”
Yes, the LA FIRE HEALTH team is heading back out to Altadena and the Palisades for more testing in the coming weeks. Their last collection dates were in May.
“Who Is Behind The LA Fire Health Study?”
LA FIRE HEALTH is the Los Angeles Fire Human Exposure and Long-Term Health Study made up of researchers with expertise in environmental exposure assessment, health outcomes, wildfire risk assessment and management, and data science from:
Cedars-Sinai
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Stanford University
UCLA (David Geffen School of Medicine, Fielding School of Public Health, and UCLA Health)
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of Texas at Austin
Yale University
They have been working since the fires to capture and analyze data to keep the public safe.
What Is PostFire?
PostFire is a not-for-profit platform founded by Eaton total loss survivors. We provide step-by-step guidance to wildfire recovery, guided by experts, for free.
If you would like to support our work you can donate here.