Eaton Fire Update – February 17, 2025
Dear Valued Community Members,
In the wake of the recent Palisades and Eaton Canyon fires, St. George’s Medical Clinic is issuing this important health advisory regarding potential toxic exposures that are putting our heroic first responders at risk. Unlike a traditional forest fire, the burning of residential structures, vehicles, and vegetation can release dangerous levels of heavy metals and other toxic elements into our environment. We are monitoring elevated levels of six particularly concerning toxic elements: Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Chromium, Arsenic, and Lithium.
Here’s why testing matters and what you should know about these concerning substances.
Where do these toxins come from and what are the risks?
1. LEAD
– Sources: Old paint, contaminated soil, some plumbing, certain ceramics
– Health effects: Neurological damage, developmental delays in children, hypertension, kidney
damage
2. ARSENIC
– Sources: Contaminated water, some foods (particularly rice), pressure-treated wood, certain
industries
– Health effects: Cancer risk, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity
3. CHROMIUM
– Sources: Industrial pollution, leather tanning, chrome plating, some pigments
– Health effects: Respiratory issues, skin problems, increased cancer risk
4. CADMIUM
– Sources: Cigarette smoke, industrial emissions, contaminated food, some jewelry
– Health effects: Kidney damage, bone disease, increased cancer risk
5. MERCURY
– Sources: Thermostats, fluorescent bulbs, some industrial processes
– Health effects: Neurological damage, cognitive impacts, fetal development issues
6. LITHIUM
– Sources: Medical use, some municipal water supplies, certain industries
– Health effects: Thyroid problems, kidney issues, neurological effects at high levels
How to best protect your health and limit exposure?
1. Avoid disturbing ash
2. Use N95 masks for outdoor activities
3. Remove shoes before entering homes
4. Keep windows closed during cleanup
5. Use HEPA air purifiers
6. Wash hands frequently
7. Clean surfaces with damp cloths
Our dedicated team at St. George’s Medical Clinic is available to keep our first responders and community safe by offering health risk evaluations, toxin testing protocol development, long-term monitoring plans, and much more. We continue to collaborate with the Pasadena Public
Health Department, LA County Environmental Health, and other community environmental organizations to remain best informed during this time in order to provide the best care we can. Please do not hesitate to contact our Medical Directors directly if you have any specific
concerns or questions regarding how to best address the health and safety of your community.
Sincerely,
Austin A. Apramian, D.O., M.S.
Glen J. Apramian, M.D.
Eaton Fire Update
We write to you today with critical information regarding the potential health impacts following your heroic response to the recent devastating fires affecting many of our communities. As your healthcare partners, we want to ensure that you have comprehensive information about all potential health risks and the support services available to you at all times.
Our medical team recently was called to conducted comprehensive OSHA Respirator
Examinations for all safety personnel at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in response to
deteriorating air quality conditions. This proactive measure underscores the widespread impact of the fires on our community and reinforces the importance of proper respiratory protection for all personnel working in affected areas.
The intense smoke exposure from the fires poses several immediate and long term health risks that we are actively monitoring. Some of the possible medical complications include:
| IMMEDIATE/SHORT-TERM | LONG-TERM |
| RESPIRATORY EFFECTS – Shortness of breath – Wheezing and bronchial constriction – Irritation and inflammation of airways – Excessive coughing and throat irritation – Increased mucus production – Acute bronchitis |
RESPIRATORY EFFECTS |
| CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS – Increased heart rate and blood pressure – Chest pain or tightness – Irregular heartbeat – Increased risk of heart attacks in vulnerable individuals – Reduced blood oxygen levels |
CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS – Increased risk of chronic heart disease – Development of arrhythmias – Acceleration of atherosclerosis – Higher risk of stroke – Chronic inflammation of blood vessels |
| EYE AND SINUS EFFECTS – Burning or stinging eyes – Excessive tearing – Sinus inflammation and congestion – Runny nose and headaches – Irritation of mucous membranes – Chemical conjunctivitis |
CANCER AND SYSTEMIC EFFECTS – Increased risk of lung cancer from carcinogenic particles – Potential DNA damage from toxic compounds – Compromised immune system function – Chronic inflammation throughout the body – Potential neurological effects |
In response to the increased health risk imposed on the public from the extensive fires, we have expanded our walk-in respiratory assessments, on-site pulmonary function testing and OSHA-
compliant respirator fit testing and physicals.
Long-term Monitoring Programs to consider include quarterly health assessments, respiratory function tracking, mental health evaluations, and annual OSHA Respirator Physical recertifications.
Preventive measures that we strongly recommend include:
- Regular medical check-ups
- Proper use of PPE during cleanup operations
- Immediate reporting of new symptoms
- Utilizing mental health services proactively
- Ensuring respirator fit testing is current and appropriate for your duties
We stand ready to support you and your families through this challenging time. Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we are committed to providing comprehensive care for both the immediate and long-term impacts of this event.
COVID-19 Testing – Self Collection Instructions
Self-collection for the anterior nares SARS-CoV 2 PCR testing demonstrated by Dr. Austin Apramian
– Patients referred to our facility have the option of waiting for their appointment in their car as opposed to the waiting room and will be called on their cell phone when we are ready to see them. We do request all persons entering the clinic wear a nose/mouth covering or face mask.
– Our clinical staff all wear face masks and gloves. Rooms and door handles are disinfected after each visit. Common areas and bathrooms are constantly monitored and vigorously cleaned per CDC guidelines. We also have our front desk/waiting room demarcated for a minimum of six feet between people. Temperatures of all patients are taken at the time of their visit.
– We do ask employers to pre-screen any referrals for symptoms of upper respiratory infection and/or fever. Please inform any candidate of our aforementioned policy – that prior to entering our facility they are required to wear a face covering so that they are adequately prepared. Also, please note that we are currently allowing patients only in the waiting room – no friends, relatives or pets may accompany them at this time to decrease potential contagion.
– As always, after hours our Medical Director, Glen John Apramian MD is available 24/7 to answer questions for employers, adjusters and to assist with triaging patient care.
– We are open for business with respect to evaluation and treatment of injured employees including Physical Therapy and required Occupationally related physical examinations.
– We have been designated as a facility treating injuries only at this time because we are also performing OSHA Mandated Physical Examinations as well as required Physical Therapy and need to avoid cross-contamination with ill patients as much as possible.
Knowing what a stressful time it is, Dr. Glen John Apramian and the wonderfully dedicated staff at St. George’s Medical Clinic are committed to providing extraordinary healthcare. Please feel free to contact our office directly with regards to any questions or concerns you may have. Once again, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our patients, clients and staff.
References and Resources you may find informative:
CDC CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION
Pasadena Public Health Department (626) 744-6089
Los Angeles County Health Department (213) 240-7941, after hours (213) 974-1234