A container of some dangerous gas, probably methyl bromide, was spotted at the outer docks at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro on April 8, 2025. This is the latest CalMatters investigation that discovered local air quality officials ain’t gonna monitor the air or do anything right away to keep nearby homes and schools safe. Not really sure why this matters, but methyl bromide is a real nasty gas used to kill pests on imported fruits and veggies. Like, California health folks have labeled it as a reproductive toxicant, meaning it can mess up babies still cooking in the womb.
High levels of short-term exposure might give you a headache and make you barf, while breathing this stuff in for a year or more could mess with your brain, making it hard to learn and remember things. The South Coast Air Quality Management District says five fumigation spots in Long Beach, Compton, and San Pedro could be risky based on a quick look-see.
After folks got loud in Long Beach, the ag commissioner there, who hands out permits to these fumigation places, made new rules to try and cut down on the emissions from the two Long Beach spots. But the permits for three spots in Compton and San Pedro show they’re using way more methyl bromide than Long Beach, yet they get to keep their old rules.
A few big-shot Dems have written to the agencies in charge, asking for monitors around all L.A. County fumigation spots, health checks for the folks living nearby, and the public release of inspection records. But the South Coast air district isn’t planning to put in any air monitors or chat with neighbors about possible risks. They are, however, checking out these spots to see if a full health risk check is needed. But even if they say yes, these companies only gotta cut down on their emissions if they’re pumping out this stuff at three times the amount the state says is risky.
Sarah Rees, who’s in charge of planning stuff at South Coast, said, “We don’t want to freak people out if there’s no real danger, but we’re looking into this now.” Edvin Hernandez, a dad whose kid goes to school near the Compton spot, told CalMatters, “Seems like the government doesn’t care about our health.” “We’re just hanging on by a thread,” he added.
