On July 28, 2022, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) issued a Proposition 65 notice to Public Health that air monitoring detected elevated levels of ethylene oxide near Parter Medical Products, located at 17015 Kingsview Avenue in the City of Carson. All monitoring data and updates on the investigation are posted on South Coast AQMD's Parter Emission Investigation in Carson website.
As of August 21, 2022, Parter voluntarily shut down its ethylene oxide operations until additional air pollution controls can be implemented. SCAQMD continues to conduct air monitoring near the Parter facility as well as in locations within the residential community. Measurements reported so far show that ethylene oxide in the residential community near Parter are similar to other parts of the Los Angeles region (see blue, pink, and yellow dots on chart above).
As of August 24th, air monitors near businesses show that ethylene oxide levels have decreased to levels similar to other parts of the Los Angeles region. Currently, all air monitors show ethylene oxide levels are below health risk thresholds established by SCAQMD's Rule 1402. Some of the additional air pollution controls are pending SCAQMD's permit approvals before they can be installed. For updates click on the link under updates.
The local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) is also required to regulate the Parter facility in accordance with State and local laws and is currently evaluating the facility to ensure compliance with statewide standards.
Public Health, SCAQMD, and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) are working together to keep the community informed and to protect the health of offsite workers. Notifications will be made to the community of any levels of concern or needed actions as appropriate.
Ethylene Oxide is a gas used in the facility to sterilize medical equipment. It has a sweet, but pungent chemical odor. Short-term exposure to ethylene oxide in humans can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure can cause damage to the brain and nervous system. Ethylene oxide has been linked to cancer in humans, including breast and blood cancers.
At this time, no specific action is required.
If you live near the Parter Medical Products facility and are experiencing bad smells, you can report odors by calling: 800-CUT-SMOG (1-800-288-7664) Or filing a complaint online: www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/complaints
For updates on this issue, please visit South Coast AQMD's Parter Emission Investigation in Carson website
If you have questions regarding health concerns Call: 626-430-9821 or Email: tox@ph.lacounty.gov
Last Updated: September 28, 2022
