www.scientificamerican.com
In the aftermath of the fires that swept through Maui scientist are preparing for water contamination as a result of the fire. With over 100 people confirmed dead the wildfire that hit the city of Lahaina was the deadliest in modern US history. The fire damaged or destroyed around 2,200 building releasing toxins. Officials have advised residents to not drink tap water as the carcinogenic chemical benzene has been found in the water supply.
The University of Hawaii is testing for benzene, formaldehyde and 86 additional chemicals classified as volatile organic compounds as well as dozens of other contaminants. In addition to drinking water, scientist and government officials are thinking about the long term impacts on coral reefs. The EPA plans to recover hazardous materials within the burn zones as well as spray cleared areas with biodegradable soil stabilizer creating a temporary crust on the ash piles.