May 26, 2026
Contact:
media@ph.lacounty.gov
(626) 430-5360
Public Health Update After East LA Oil Spill Contained
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is providing an update regarding the ruptured crude oil pipeline near Cesar Chavez and Eastern Avenue in East Los Angeles. The pipeline has been shut down, and repairs are ongoing.
Public Health guidance remains unchanged. The leak has been controlled and is no longer releasing crude oil in the streets. A small amount of seepage may occur at the source pipe break area. Cleanup, containment, and air monitoring efforts remain ongoing under Unified Command.
Nuisance odors may still be noticeable near affected areas, as cleanup continues.
Air monitoring conducted by Los Angeles County Fire Health Hazmat and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) did not identify elevated levels of pollutants.
Air monitoring remains ongoing out of an abundance of caution. For air quality concerns, people may contact South Coast AQMD at 800-288-7664.
Public Health Guidance:
If you smell odors outdoors, close windows and doors, turn off Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and air conditioners that pull in outside air, and limit outdoor exposures until the odor has passed. After odors have cleared, ventilate your home or business by opening windows and doors and turn on fans or HVAC system.
Older adults, children, pregnant people, people with asthma or breathing conditions, and those with weakened immune systems should take extra precautions to reduce exposure, such as staying indoors when odors are noticeable, limiting time spent outdoors near affected areas as cleanup continues, and following official guidance.
Odors may cause or worsen headaches, nausea, eye, nose, or throat irritation, dizziness, or breathing problems, such as asthma symptoms.
Based on current information, brief exposures are not expected to cause long term health effects for most people. If symptoms are severe or do not go away, contact your medical provider. If you do not have a medical provider, call the Public Health Infoline at 833-540-0473, open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To reduce potential exposures, avoid contact with spilled oil or contaminated debris and keep children and pets away from affected areas.
- If oil gets on your skin or clothing, wash with soap and water right away and change into clean clothes.
Community Resources:
- Report odor complaints to South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD):(800) 288-7664.
- Community members impacted by the incident can file a claim by contacting (877) 817-5465.
- Public Health – Community Health Complaint Line at (626) 430-9821.
Media:
Media inquiries can be directed to Office of Spill Prevention and Response Public Information Officer Eric Laughlin at 916-214-3279.