LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES
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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:

October 11, 2021

Public Health Updates Health Recommendations Surrounding the Foul Odors in City of Carson Due to Hydrogen Sulfide

CARSON - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) continues working with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Fire Hazardous Materials and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) to evaluate and monitor hydrogen sulfide levels and to mitigate health impacts. The ongoing odors associated with the Dominguez Channel are sufficiently pervasive to be considered a public nuisance to residents and those working and recreating nearby.

Due to the continuing presence of odors due to hydrogen sulfide and short-term symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, or eye, nose and throat irritation, which may impact the quality of life to those exposed, Public Health is recommending that residents take the following precautions to minimize exposure and protect your family and pet’s health:

1. Prevent outdoor odors from entering the home by keeping doors and windows closed while odors are present. Air out your home when odors are not present.

2. If your home has an air conditioning system, contact an air conditioning specialist, if needed, to determine if the air filters may be replaced with HEPA filters that contain activated carbon to improve the air quality inside.

3. Obtain a certified portable HEPA indoor air filter with activated carbon to improve the air quality inside.

4. Keep pets indoors. If you notice any of the following in your pets, please contact your local veterinarian: difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy, nausea.

Residents experiencing persistent, worrisome, or worsening symptoms from the odors are encouraged to contact their health care providers, especially if they have any chronic health conditions. Residents should also ensure that they have adequate supplies of their medications, especially if they have heart or lung conditions. In addition, Public Health recommends temporarily leaving the area where odors are present to alleviate health impacts.

Los Angeles County is still in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, and you should continue to wear masks as recommended by Public Health. Masks such as N95, even after proper fit-testing, may not provide any additional protection from hydrogen sulfide odors. Residents should continue using masks for pandemic protection and recommends changing your mask more frequently throughout the day if moisture builds up inside your mask to avoid possible buildup of odors.

At this time, area schools affected by odors should implement HEPA filtration, preferably with activated charcoal filters. Schools should use their discretion regarding outdoor student activity.

The public should continue to call AQMD to report odors. 1-800-CUT-SMOG (1-800-288-7644).

For assistance with health protective measures, please leave a message on the Public Health Community line 1-626-430-9821.

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well -being for all 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. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about the LA County Department of Public Health and the work they do, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.

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Los Angeles County Department of Public Health works to protect health, prevent disease, and promote health and well-being.



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