LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES
News Release
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313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 240-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

May 15, 2014

HEALTH ADVISORY: A Minor Oil Spill and High Temperatures May Cause Extreme Odors in the Atwater Village Area

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is working in coordination with the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Health HazMat and the City of Glendale to monitor the cleanup of an approximately 10,000 gallon crude oil spill at 5175 W. San Fernando Rd. in the Atwater Village area. The crude oil spill has been contained and cleanup of the area is under way. To contain extreme odors, sand and odor neutralizers have been applied to the residual oil.

Due to the increasing heat temperatures and a minor crude oil spill in the Atwater Village area, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends that individuals in the adjacent area take precautions to protect against extreme odors from the residual crude oil. Air quality is being monitored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District; current results indicate a low risk to the general public.

Symptoms from odor exposures are not expected to lead to long-term health consequences. Individuals who experience prolonged symptoms should consult with their health care providers. Local residents should keep their homes well ventilated, to limit exposure to odors and to deal with rising temperatures.

"Cleanup of this spill is progressing, but individuals may experience discomfort from odors from the residual crude," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "These odors may result in mild, temporary health impacts, such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headache, dizziness, or upset stomach. As the temperature rises today, these odors may become more prominent. Sensitive individuals, including children, seniors, and people with chronic disease such as heart or lung disease, should exercise caution, and limit their outdoor activities as long as odors persist."

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may also call 211 LA County for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting http://www.211la.org/.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $900 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: @LAPublicHealth.



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