Public Health Statement Regarding Cudahy Jet Fuel Release

STAFF REPORT

LOS ANGELES –The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) advises residents affected by the jet fuel release in the Cudahy area that the incident is still under investigation by multiple authorities. Yesterday, students that were exposed were sent home by emergency services personnel with instructions on how to thoroughly clean themselves and their clothes.  Students at affected school sites returned to regular school today.

Contact with jet fuel can cause skin irritation and/or upper respiratory irritation such as cough.  These symptoms are generally expected to improve on their own.  However, if you do feel like you are still experiencing a health-related issue, please contact your medical provider.  For any life-threatening emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.

Residents who think they have come in contact with the jet fuel should do a full head-to-toe shower with soap and water.  Please be sure to wash any exposed/contaminated clothing separately with regular detergent. If odors remain on clothing after thorough washing, they should be discarded.

Residents with outdoor vegetable gardens and fruit bearing trees are advised to discard all unharvested produce. Fruits and vegetables grown in the future should be safe for consumption, according to our partners at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Public Health will continue to work with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other partner agencies, including the EPA, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to better understand the extent of the exposure and potential environmental impacts. We are aware of an ongoing investigation by Delta Airlines, in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and will make the public aware of any findings that may impact their health.

For questions and/or more information regarding this incident, call 2-1-1.