If You Have Been Living Near the LA Wildfire Cleanup Zones, Here Is What I Would Do For My Family Right Now

If You Have Been Living Near the LA Wildfire Cleanup Zones, Here Is What I Would Do For My Family Right Now

A new UCLA and UC Davis study published in Nature Communications found elevated levels of chromium-6, a known human carcinogen, in the air near the Palisades and Eaton fire cleanup zones. Particles were detected traveling up to 9 miles downwind, reaching communities far beyond the burn areas.

The levels did return to background levels after about 8 months. But for families who have been living, working, and breathing that air during cleanup, the question becomes: what do we do now?

Here is exactly what I would do for my family.

Inside Your Home

Start here because this is where your family spends the most time.

Run a HEPA air purifier continuously. Not just at night. All day. Look for one that filters particles down to 0.3 microns. Chromium-6 travels on fine particles so standard filters will not cut it.

Wet mop your floors instead of dry sweeping or vacuuming without a HEPA filter. Dry sweeping just redistributes particles back into the air you are breathing.

Take shoes off at the door every single time. What is on the ground outside is now on your floors and your kids are playing on those floors.

Wash clothing that has been worn outdoors separately and promptly. Do not let it sit in a pile.

Keep windows closed on high wind days, especially if you are near a cleanup zone.

Filter your drinking water with a filter that specifically removes heavy metals because standard pitcher filters are not enough. My water filtration blog

Supporting Your Body

Your body has an incredible ability to process and eliminate toxins but it needs support, especially with ongoing or heavy exposure. Here is what I would focus on:

Support Your Liver Your liver is your primary detox organ. Feed it well. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale activate detox enzymes that help neutralize carcinogens. Aim for at least one serving daily.

Milk thistle and dandelion root are two of the most researched supplements for liver support. Both are gentle and can be taken as a tea or supplement.

Boost Glutathione Glutathione is your body's master antioxidant and is specifically involved in neutralizing heavy metals and carcinogens. Your body makes it but exposure to toxins depletes it fast.

The best ways to support glutathione production are NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), alpha lipoic acid, and sulfur rich foods like garlic, onions, and eggs. You can also find liposomal glutathione supplements which absorb well.

Add Chlorella Chlorella is a freshwater algae and one of the most studied natural binders for heavy metals. It binds to metals in the gut and helps your body eliminate them. Start slow with the dosage as it can cause detox symptoms if you go too fast.

Vitamin C Higher dose Vitamin C specifically supports chromium detox and is a powerful antioxidant for respiratory tissue. Liposomal Vitamin C absorbs better than standard supplements.

Filtered Water Your kidneys need consistent hydration to flush toxins. Use a high quality water filter, not just a basic pitcher filter. Look for one that removes heavy metals specifically.

Sauna If you have access to a sauna, use it regularly. Sweating is one of the most effective ways to mobilize and eliminate toxins stored in fat tissue. Infrared sauna is particularly well studied for this. Start with shorter sessions and hydrate well before and after.

For Kids Specifically

Children are more vulnerable to carcinogen exposure because their bodies are still developing and they breathe more air relative to their body weight.

Keep them indoors on high wind days near cleanup zones. Make sure their hands are washed thoroughly after any outdoor play. Prioritize the HEPA purifier in their bedroom especially. And focus on the food based supports, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, filtered water, rather than supplements unless you are working with a practitioner.

The Bottom Line

You cannot undo past exposure but you can absolutely support your body in processing it and reduce ongoing exposure starting today. Small consistent steps add up.

If you have questions about specific supplements or doses, I always recommend working with a functional medicine practitioner who can look at your individual health picture. And as always, check with your doctor.