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Santa Monica Beach with pier Date	9 July 2011, 17:24:39 Source	Own work Author	JCS Permission (Reusing this file)	 This file was uploaded with Commonist. Attribution (required by the license)	Foto: © JCS / Wikimedia Commons / Lizenz: CC-BY-SA-3.0 / GFDL Camera location	34° 00′ 29.59″ N, 118° 30′ 13.96″ W Kartographer map based on OpenStreetMap.	View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap
15 May 2025

Los Angeles beaches closed from wildfire debris contamination - carcinogenic chemicals, arsenic, and asbestos

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Several miles of coastline from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach have been shut down indefinitely following an Ocean Water Closure issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The closure comes after toxic wildfire debris runoff was detected in the water, raising health concerns.

Toxic Materials Found in Beach Sand Environmental groups report that debris from the Palisades Fire, which burned 23,000 acres, has carried toxic metals into the sand at popular L.A. beaches. Lead, arsenic, mercury, and chromium have been detected, prompting concerns about exposure risks for beachgoers. Activists are urging officials to halt beach grooming, which could spread the contaminants further.

Beach Closures Extended Due to Wildfire Runoff Officials have extended closures of beaches from Malibu to Santa Monica due to continued fire debris runoff from the Franklin Fire and Palisades Fire. Testing suggests the runoff contains carcinogenic chemicals, arsenic, and asbestos, posing a health risk.

The situation remains concerning, with environmental experts urging the public to stay away from affected areas until more cleanup efforts are completed.

 

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons License

Santa Monica Beach with pier

Date: 9 July 2011, 17:24:39

Author JCS

Permission
(Reusing this file)

Image removed. 

This file was uploaded with Commonist.

Attribution
(required by the license)

Foto: © JCS / Wikimedia Commons / 

Lizenz: CC-BY-SA-3.0 / GFDL

Camera location

Image removed.34° 00′ 29.59″ N, 118° 30′ 13.96″ W Image removed.

View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap