| June 2, 2008 Near
Sunday’s Fire at Universal Studio
AQMD’s
preliminary analysis of air samples taken near
yesterday’s fire at Universal Studios has shown elevated levels of air
pollutants in the immediate vicinity of the fire but normal levels in
surrounding neighborhoods.
AQMD sent air monitoring technicians to the area near the fire in
response to a request from the Los Angeles County Fire Department yesterday
for air sampling and analysis.
An air sample collected north of Lakeside Golf Club in Toluca Lake did
not show any elevated levels of air pollutants, including toxic air
contaminants, AQMD officials said.
An air sample collected about 200 yards downwind of the fire had elevated
levels of air pollutants including some toxic air contaminants. At this
location, the total carbon concentration -- a gauge of total hydrocarbon
pollution -- was about 2,400 parts per billion (ppb). The typical range of
total carbon concentration in the Los Angeles Basin is 100 ppb to 700 ppb.
Benzene, a toxic air contaminant, was measured at about 18 ppb; its normal
concentration is up to 3 ppb.
At these levels, firefighters and anyone in the immediate vicinity of the
fire yesterday could have experienced respiratory irritation from these
pollutants as well as fine particles in smoke. However, the monitored
levels were far below thresholds set by health agencies for serious health
effects from short-term exposure.
The intense heat of the fire carried much of the smoke aloft where it was
diluted by cleaner air, AQMD officials said.
AQMD will provide a full report of its sampling and analysis to the fire
department and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. AQMD
also will post the results on its website at
www.aqmd.gov by late Tuesday.
During structure fires and other emergencies, AQMD provides air sampling
and analysis at the request of the incident command agency, which typically
is the fire department. The incident command agency determines whether
nearby residents need to shelter in place or evacuate the area.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
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