As students return to classrooms in Boyle Heights, concerns linger about air quality following the Lineage warehouse fire. While LAUSD officials assure the public of safe conditions, residents and scientists express ongoing worries.
The fire, which erupted on June 17 and raged for nearly a week, released dense smoke and pollutants into the air. Subsequently, millions of pounds of spoiled refrigerated food added foul odors and pests to the area. As of a recent update, Lineage reports that 92% of the food has been removed.
Monitoring Air Quality
Air quality assessments have been conducted using sensors from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, positioned at Eastman Avenue Elementary and Robert Louis Stevenson Middle Schools. These devices collect data hourly and make it available online through the Palos Fire Monitoring platform.
Key pollutants monitored include:
- PM 2.5: Detected since June 19, these fine particles, 30 times smaller than a human hair, were primarily linked to the smoke from the fire.
- Methane: Monitoring began on July 9, showing typical regional levels of this greenhouse gas, which poses a risk only at high concentrations.
- Hydrogen Sulfide: Also tracked since July 9, this compound is known for its “rotten egg” odor. Although present, levels have not reached hazardous peaks.
- Ammonia: With sensors active from July 23, this chemical, used as a refrigerant and resulting from food decomposition, has shown periodic spikes. Scientists emphasize the potential health risks of ammonia, particularly for children.
Additional Findings
Mobile monitoring by the Air Quality Management District detected elevated particulate matter but found other pollutants like hydrogen fluoride and toxic metals were below concerning levels. The L.A. Unified School District reported that lead levels in two schools exceeded state standards, even though other substances like formaldehyde were within safe limits.
Concerns Over Ammonia
Despite official reassurances, experts like Jill Johnston from UC Irvine highlight ongoing ammonia spikes as a potential health risk. Ammonia, described as a respiratory irritant, has been detected repeatedly since late July, raising questions about its long-term impact, especially on vulnerable populations.
Johnston notes, “Ammonia is an air toxicant. It’s a respiratory irritant. It can cause eyes, nose, throat irritation, and suppression of your lung function.”
Challenges in Detecting Other Contaminants
Johnston suggests ammonia might indicate a broader array of unmeasured pollutants. She points out the limitations of current air quality monitoring technologies, which often miss less common contaminants.
Advanced technologies exist but are complex and not widely used in field settings, leaving gaps in our understanding of post-fire air pollution.
Reporting Air Quality Issues
Residents can report air quality concerns to South Coast AQMD by providing details such as the date and time of the event, type of air quality issue, odor description, and suspected source location.
Original Story at laist.com