South Coast AQMD deployed two particulate matter (PM2.5) continuous monitors on June 19th. Continuous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methane (CH4) monitor was added at Eastman Ave Elementary School on July 10th. Air monitoring sites were chosen based on the mobile monitoring survey results identifying the most impacted areas, proximity to sensitive receptors (such as residents and schools), meteorological conditions, and access to power and security for the monitoring equipment.
South Coast AQMD deployed PM2.5 monitors at Eastman Avenue Elementary and Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School, and fed that data, along with our regionally placed air monitors and hundreds of local sensors, into our Air Quality Index (AQI) map to provide localized information via our South Coast AQMD mobile app or at www.aqmd.gov.
Data Reporting
- Eastman Ave Elementary and Stevenson Middle schools: Continuous PM2.5 monitoring is being conducted at these two sites, as well as continuous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methane (CH4) at Eastman Ave Elementary school. Data is collected hourly and provides near-real-time concentration levels. To view data from these sites, click on the map below to be transferred to the data dashboard.
- Data from our regional air monitors can be found here.
South Coast AQMD is providing active technical oversight of the third-party contractor, who is conducting community air monitoring during the cleanup phase. South Coast AQMD is working closely with LA County Public Health to:
- Ensure the monitoring is scientifically sound & responsive to community concerns;
- Review the community air monitoring plan for appropriate pollutants to meaure;
- Review and providing feedback on air monitoring locations, methodologies, procedures, data analysis, and reporting;
- Ensure monitoring is conducted where and when it is most needed to accurately characterize pollutants in the surrounding neighborhood.
In addition, South Coast AQMD is advocating for the contractor to provide its monitoring data to the public in a timely manner so community members have access to the information as it becomes available. That data can be found at: https://www.onelineage.com/boyle-heights-fire-response/air-monitoring-data
South Coast AQMD Independent Air Quality Assessments
To provide an additional layer of independent oversight, South Coast AQMD is also conducting its own unannounced air quality assessments throughout the community. These independent measurements will be compared with the contractor's monitoring results to help validate the findings and provide additional confidence in the data. Some of the pollutants measured can be found here.
June 29th Mobile Monitoring
- Most VOCs, including measured air toxics such as benzene, were observed at levels consistent with past mobile monitoring in this area and were largely influenced by vehicular emissions. (Figure 20)
- Elevated levels of odorous compounds were observed at multiple locations downwind of the facility.
- These compounds can be detected by the human nose at very low levels and include VOCs such as methyl mercaptan, which has a strong, unpleasant odor similar to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs. While concentrations of these compounds sometimes exceeded background levels, they are well below available health-based exposure limits. (Figure 21)
- Methane levels were within typical ranges. (Figure 22)
The human nose can detect some odors at concentrations well below levels associated with long-term heath concerns, and, in some cases, below the levels detectable by air monitoring equipment. However, odors may cause temporary symptoms such as headache, nausea, or eye, nose, and throat irritation in some people.
Mobile monitoring surveys measured for particulate matter and toxic metals (6/17 & 6/18) as well as Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) (6/18). Please note, these surveys capture a snapshot (less than 5 minutes).
Mobile surveys do not sample for a long enough time period at any location to establish risks to human health. They are used to identify potential hot spots and help guide where stationary monitoring sites may be needed.
June 17th Mobile Monitoring
- Significantly elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) were observed for a few seconds at a time within the plume downwind of the fire. (Figures 1 and 2)
- Air toxic metals levels were within typical ranges. (Figures 3-7)
- Increased levels of bromine and chlorine were observed. Bromine and chlorine are typically found at trace levels during structural fires and the levels seen were below short-term health-based exposure thresholds. (Figures 8 and 9)
June 18th Mobile Monitoring
- Significantly elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) were observed for a few seconds at a time within the plume downwind of the fire. (Figures 10 and 11)
- No measurable levels of HF were seen. (Figure 12)
- Air toxic metals levels were within typical ranges. (Figures 13-17)
- Increased levels of bromine and chlorine were observed. Bromine and chlorine are typically found at trace levels during structural fires and the levels seen were below short-term health-based exposure thresholds. (Figures 18 and 19)
We understand that odors will likely be an ongoing issue throughout the cleanup. Local residents may report odors, smoke, and other air quality issues to South Coast AQMD by calling 1-800-CUT-SMOG (288-7664), via our online complaint portal at www.aqmd.gov/complaints, or through our mobile app. South Coast AQMD responds to all air quality complaints received from the public. Agency partners are working with the facility to assist with identifying odor mitigation measures to minimize impacts to Boyle Heights and the surrounding communities.
South Coast AQMD Rule 402 and California Health & Safety Code Section 41700 prohibit emissions that cause injury, nuisance, or annoyance to a significant number of people or the public. When public odors complaints are received, inspectors respond. If Inspectors confirm the odors with community members and trace them back to cleanup operations at the facility, a violation can be issued. See below for recent violations of public nuisance rules issued to Lineage Logistics, LLC.
Residential Air Purifiers
In response to the ongoing impacts of the 2026 Palos Fire in Boyle Heights South Coast AQMD has approved up to $5 million in additional funding to provide residential air purifiers to local residents as quickly as possible.
The funding will expand South Coast AQMD’s AB 617 Residential Air Filtration Incentives. This program will help households in Boyle Heights and surrounding communities reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants during fire cleanup activities.
The program provides eligible residents with:
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifier(s) that remove 99.97% of particles from indoor air, effectively filter smoke and dust particles and are ENERGY STAR certified.
- Three-year supply of replacement filters.
- All items will be shipped directly to applicant at no cost. South Coast AQMD is working with multiple vendors to expedite delivery and distribution process.
The program is available to residents in the East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, and West Commerce (ELABHWC) community and will continue on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
More information, including eligibility as well as online applications, can be found at the Residential Air Filtration Incentives webpage.
City, County, state, and community partners are working together to ensure residents have access to timely information, available resources, and support throughout the response and recovery process. View latest updates here.
The Los Angeles Department of Public Health has also shared information on What You Should Know About Air Purifiers and Environmental Odors: What You Should Know.