At least six fumigation facilities in southeast Los Angeles County are using methyl bromide, a toxic pesticide that raises health concerns for nearby residents. Despite this, local air quality regulators haven’t assessed the potential health risks for these communities.
Since January, residents in West Long Beach have voiced their frustrations after discovering high levels of this harmful chemical near an elementary school. This revelation came five years after air quality officials initially detected the fumes. During a community meeting, officials revealed that four additional facilities in Compton and San Pedro are using methyl bromide in even larger quantities than those in West Long Beach.
Methyl bromide is recognized as a reproductive toxicant, meaning it can adversely affect developing babies. Short-term exposure may cause headaches, nausea, and breathing difficulties, while long-term exposure can lead to serious neurological issues like trouble with learning and memory.
Theral Golden, a local community advocate and longtime resident, expressed her concerns: “Every day… there was an explosion in this neighborhood and nobody knew where it came from. How do you know what’s causing your illness? We should be in crisis mode.”
Fumigation companies use methyl bromide to eliminate pests on imported fruits and vegetables, particularly those arriving through local ports. The pesticide was widely utilized on crops until it was banned under a UN treaty in 1987. Exemptions exist for fumigation of foreign produce, which means some businesses in the area continue to use it legally.
In West Long Beach, AG Fume Service and San Pedro Forklift (SPF Logistics) are situated near homes and an elementary school. According to their attorney, AG Fume has complied with regulations and is willing to make necessary changes to minimize health impacts. Greg Augustine, who runs Harbor Fumigation, echoed this sentiment, asserting his operations are compliant with all laws.
However, significant usage of methyl bromide raises alarm. Global Pest Management, operating in Compton and Terminal Island, reported using over 11,600 pounds of the pesticide in 2022—more than double the amount used by the West Long Beach facilities combined, according to data shared during the community meeting.
Health statistics reflect a troubling trend. In a recent analysis, air quality monitors detected spikes of methyl bromide reaching up to 983 parts per billion in West Long Beach. At levels above 1,000 ppb, immediate health issues can arise. Alarmingly, one study found that even 1 ppb exposure over a year could lead to chronic health effects.
District officials have reassured residents that the nearby school is outside the risk zone. However, approximately 50 homes in the vicinity might be affected. A monitoring station in 2019 found methyl bromide concentrations above safe levels but failed to alert school authorities until this January.
Local residents and community advocates have called for more monitoring and a thorough review of 30 years’ worth of data on methyl bromide exposure. They want to ensure the health of their community is prioritized. Whitney Amaya, a member of East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, condemned the situation: “These are our lives, our family members, and our neighbors. We can’t normalize these operations.”
The environmental and health impacts of pesticide use present complex challenges. In California, air quality responsibility often falls to local districts, complicating oversight and regulation. The recent spike in usage and emerging health concerns underscore the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities from harmful practices.
For more information on methyl bromide’s impact and regulations, you can check resources from the California Air Resources Board.
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