Toxic chemical detected in indoor air samples at a Santa Ana business

For Immediate Release: February 8, 2016

Contact: Tricia Landquist, tlandquist@ochca.com, (714) 834-2178

Trichloroethylene Detected in Indoor Air Samples at Santa Ana Site

(Santa Ana) – Information provided by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) indicates that several chemicals have been detected in soil, groundwater and in air at 1224 E. Pomona St. in the City of Santa Ana. DTSC has been conducting sampling of the soil, soil gas, groundwater and indoor air at and around this former plating facility and will be using this information to develop a plan to remove the chemical contamination. Several of the chemicals detected are considered human carcinogens and/or cause other toxic effects to humans.

One of the chemicals found, Trichloroethylene (TCE), is used primarily as a degreasing agent in various industrial processes. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 (USEPA) has identified cancer and non-cancer hazards based on exposure to TCE in indoor air. A specific vulnerable population is women in the first trimester of pregnancy, due to the potential for causing heart defects in the developing fetus. Long-term exposure may lead to increased risk of kidney or other cancers.

The detected indoor air levels of TCE within the building located at this address exceed the USEPA accelerated response category. Measures to reduce the risk of breathing in TCE could include increased ventilation, sealing openings in the floor, treating the indoor air or temporary relocation. The levels detected at the business may pose a risk to some individuals on this or an adjacent property; however, are not likely to pose a risk to the surrounding neighborhoods or the public in general.

The County of Orange Health Care Agency is responsible for providing this information to the local news media pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 25180.7 (d). The intent of Proposition 65 – Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 is to protect the public and its drinking water resource, and to inform the public about potential exposures to chemical.

A fact sheet that includes frequently asked health questions about Trichloroethylene from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is available at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts19.pdf.

More information about this site and the related toxicological/health risk assessment can be obtained from Jorge Moreno, DTSC public information officer at (916) 327-4383 or Jorge.Moreno@dtsc.ca.gov.