Mystery sediment washes ashore following Los Angeles wildfires. Is it safe to swim and surf?
LOS ANGELES – Residents and beachgoers along the Los Angeles County coastline have noticed dark and silty sediment washing up onto local beaches following recent California wildfires and subsequent storms.
The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH), which operates and maintains 18 public beaches along the Pacific Ocean coastline from Malibu through San Pedro, said it has tested the debris and ash for fire-related substances and health risks, particularly at Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach.
Samples provided to county health officials and other local and state agencies for analysis in February have offered some reassurance following the deadly devastating wildfires.
According to DBH, early test results indicate that the sediment does not appear to be hazardous material and poses no immediate threat to the environment or human health.
Palisades Fire Causes Significant Damage To Los Angeles-area Schools
This comes after a handful of wildfires in the Los Angeles metro raced through numerous neighborhoods after igniting in January. Tragically, over two dozen people were killed as wildfires razed upwards of 15,000 homes and businesses and created unhealthy air for millions of residents.
Storms then carried the ash and debris from the infernos into rivers and streams. Eventually, the ash and debris flowed into the ocean, where waves washed the material back onto the beach. This is a natural process after fires, especially during rainy or windy conditions, according to DBH officials.
"The test results for contaminants – including metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds and asbestos – were below levels that would characterize the debris as hazardous waste," the agency notes.
Fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades Lot Sells For Over $1 Million After Home Reduced To Ashes By Wildfires
Initial tests found metal concentrations that are likely consistent with naturally occurring background levels, and importantly, no asbestos was detected. Other substances analyzed were either not found at all or present in only extremely limited and minor concentrations.
Additional testing is also planned in the coming months, with a target of completion before the Memorial Day weekend.
Despite the sediment's unusual appearance, county officials currently have no plans to remove it from the beaches.
"Removing it could harm the ecosystem by disturbing rocks, sand layers and marine habitats," the DBH said. "It could also erode the shoreline, potentially causing long-term environmental damage."
Instead, the current strategy is to allow natural processes to take their course. Officials anticipate that the natural action of tides and weather patterns will gradually clear the sediment away over time.
Last week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health lifted the ocean water advisories that were in place along the coastline following recent wildfires and subsequent runoff.
Los Angeles Metro Engulfed By Deadly Apocalyptic Wildfires Fueled By Hurricane-force Wind Gusts
Based on data collected in January and February, environmental advocacy group Heal the Bay (HTB) is cautiously optimistic that chemical contamination from the fires no longer poses a major risk for swimming and surfing in local waters.
While the water quality appears to be improving, authorities are urging continued vigilance due to the presence of physical debris in the water and along the shore.
"Because debris can include sharp objects, everyone should continue to use extra caution to avoid anything that looks like wildfire remnants, whether on the sand or in our coastal waters," HTB said in their April 10 update.
See It: Los Angeles Homes Stand Unscathed Like Mirage In Sea Of Ash Following Raging Fires
Debris removal has begun on the 300 homes along Pacific Coast Highway that were lost in the fires.
"While this is great news for the bay, there may be a risk to human health within 250 yards of debris removal activity," HTB adds.
This activity can disturb contaminants, potentially releasing them into the air and water. Out of an abundance of caution, HTB is also highlighting that recreating within this 250-yard radius may pose an additional risk to beachgoers, swimmers and surfers.Original article source: Mystery sediment washes ashore following Los Angeles wildfires. Is it safe to swim and surf?
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Journals
2 hours ago
- Business Journals
Luminoah, Rivanna Medical selected to prestigious med-tech accelerator
Two Charlottesville startups have been selected to MedTech Innovator, a well-known accelerator for medical technology startups. Luminoah and Rivanna Medical are among 65 companies selected for the Los Angeles-based accelerator's 2025 cohort. They will participate in a four-month program geared toward accelerating a path to U.S. market success.

Washington Post
2 hours ago
- Washington Post
Tracking Trump: L.A. troop deployment to cost $134 million; the World Bank calls for reduced tariffs; Hegseth gets grilled; and more
The Pentagon estimated the troop deployment to L.A. will cost $134 million. The World Bank called for lower, equitable tariffs. China thinks it's at a major advantage in trade talks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was grilled in a congressional hearing. Democrats accused the intelligence director of interfering with oversight. Trump warned protesters at his military parade to expect force. The Smithsonian's Board denied Trump has the authority to fire personnel. Before you go … Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced yesterday that he is removing every member of the HHS vaccine advisory panel. Want to stay on top of President Trump's second term? Sign up for the newsletter to get the top stories every weeknight.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
myLAB Box Announces Official Website Update Featuring At-Home Wellness Testing Services
Website Update Expands Access to At-Home Health Testing Kits for Sexual Health, Wellness, and Preventive Screening Across the U.S. Los Angeles, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- myLAB Box, a nationwide provider of at-home health screening solutions, has updated its official website to expand access to its broad catalog of wellness test kits. Now available across the United States, the platform allows individuals to discreetly test for a range of health indicators—from sexual health to general wellness—without visiting a clinic or lab. Discreet At-Home Health Testing Kits Now Available Nationwide for Sexual Health, Wellness, and Preventive Screening According to the official website ( myLAB Box empowers users with an end-to-end telehealth experience. Each kit is shipped directly to the customer, includes simple instructions for at-home collection, and returns lab-certified results through a secure digital dashboard—typically within 1 to 5 days. The brand positions this process as a convenient alternative for early detection, preventive screening, and wellness tracking. 'At-home health testing should be private, simple, and clinically sound,' said a myLAB Box representative. 'We built our platform to make proactive health decisions easier for everyone.' myLAB Box partners with CLIA-certified laboratories and ensures all kits meet stringent quality and safety guidelines. The company emphasizes consumer empowerment, offering tools and resources to help individuals understand their test results and next steps. No appointments, insurance, or in-person visits are required. As noted on the product website, myLAB Box also includes a satisfaction guarantee on eligible kits. Customers can browse available options, read detailed FAQs, and order directly from the official site. About myLAB Box myLAB Box is a Los Angeles-based health tech company redefining access to wellness testing through affordable, discreet, and reliable at-home screening kits. With a focus on privacy and clinical accuracy, myLAB Box enables individuals to take control of their health without barriers. Product and Contact Information Brand: myLAB BoxWebsite: customerservice@ +1 (213) 290-4571Mailing Address: 7083 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States Disclaimer This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The statements made about this product have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Individual results may vary. Consumers should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any at-home testing kit. CONTACT: Email: customerservice@ Phone: +1 (213) 290-4571