FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) ABOUT
JET FUEL RELEASE IN CUDAHY AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) advises residents affected by the recent jet fuel release in Cudahy and surrounding communities to review the following information:
Can exposure to jet fuel cause any negative health effects?
Contact with jet fuel can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. These symptoms are generally expected to improve on their own. Be sure to wash any exposed/contaminated clothing separately with regular detergent. If odors remain on clothing after thorough washing, they should be discarded.
Will I have permanent health effects if I was exposed?
People experiencing mild symptoms are expected to improve on their own. However, if you experience continuing or worsening symptoms, you should contact your medical provider immediately.
Is it safe for my children to go back to school?
Jet fuel evaporates into the air. However, residual fuel may have remained on some exterior surfaces shortly after the incident. As a precaution, affected school districts commissioned professionals to immediately clean-up all exterior surfaces at impacted schools. Agencies conducting these investigations detected zero residual fuel readings.
Do I need to have my home professionally cleaned?
LA County Fire conducted air samples overnight after the incident and did not detect jet fuel. The jet fuel is expected to have evaporated from affected areas, and there is no need for additional cleaning at this time.
What should I do if I have a garden or fruit trees?
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).
I can still smell odors in my home, what should I do?
If you are smelling odors, it is recommended to open windows and thoroughly ventilate for at least two hours to remove any remaining odors.
Who is investigating the incident?
Multiple agencies are investigating the incident, including the Fire Department, California Environmental Protection Agency, Public Health, the Federal Aviation Agency, and Delta Airlines. The County of Los Angeles will update the affected communities as more information is known.
I’m feeling anxious about this incident, what can I do?
It’s normal to feel stress, anxiety, and fear after incidents like this. The County Department of Mental Health has people available to speak with the public 24-hours, 7 days a week. They can be reached at their ACCESS Center, 800-854-7771.
Are there other agencies I can contact for information?
Federal Aviation Agency
Western Regions Operations Center (W-ROC)
24-hour Accident and Incident Response
(206) 231-2089
Cal Environmental Protection Agency
Local Program Coordination and Emergency Response
(916) 327-3558
South Coast Air Quality Management District
General Number
(909) 396-2000
Delta Airlines File Claim
Individuals and property owners who believe they may have been affected by the jet fuel release
(800) 441-5955
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH)
2-1-1
non-local number is (800) 339-6993.
