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Proposition 65 Notice: Contamination Investigation at Dry Cleaners Site in Los Angeles

Proposition 65 Notice: Contamination Investigation at Dry Cleaners Site in Los Angeles 600 117 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
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August 15, 2024

Public Health Media
(213) 240-8144
media@ph.lacounty.gov

Proposition 65 Notice: Contamination Investigation at

Dry Cleaners Site in Los Angeles

 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health received a Proposition 65 Notice from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). DTSC is investigating contamination near Sloan’s Dry Cleaners, also known as 1X Sloan Dry Cleaners, located at 2924 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023.

DTSC is the lead regulatory agency and is performing indoor air and subsurface sampling at the site under its oversight. The activities at the site are under environmental investigation. If necessary, there will be cleanup, and/or mitigation measures to support the continued operation of Sloan’s Dry Cleaners and the other businesses located nearby. The site has been occupied by Sloan’s Dry Cleaners since 1942. It is surrounded by both neighboring commercial properties and residential properties across an alley from the site.

This dry cleaner has used tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in their dry-cleaning operations, which may have contaminated the soil and groundwater nearby. PCE in soil vapor can enter buildings through foundation cracks, potentially affecting indoor air quality in a process called vapor intrusion. In the environment, PCE naturally degrades into trichloroethylene (TCE).

In June, DTSC oversaw sampling of indoor air, outdoor air, and soil vapor.  In July, DTSC reviewed and evaluated the data, and the results show that PCE concentrations in indoor air exceeded the commercial screening level in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (US EPA) risk management range.

There is reason to believe that the illegal discharge has occurred and is likely to cause substantial injury to the public health or safety.

According to the State of California, PCE, TCE, and some of the other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause cancer.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 (US EPA) has identified cancer and non-cancer hazards from PCE and TCE exposure in indoor air, posing risks to pregnant women and potential for heart defects in the fetus. Prolonged exposure may also increase cancer risk.

Visit the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) website for detailed fact sheets on the health effects of PCE and TCE.

For additional information visit DTSC’s Discovery and Enforcement Program’s website.

Residents and workers with additional questions may contact DTSC at:

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is responsible for providing this information to the local news media pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 25180.7 (d). The intent of Proposition 65 – Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 is to protect the public and its drinking water resources, and to inform the public about potential exposures to chemicals.

Relevant Documents:

1X Sloan Dry Cleaners Prop 65 Notification

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