What is that smell? Hydrogen sulfide is believed to be the cause of a foul odor near the Dominguez Canal in the Carson region

CARSON, Calif. (KABC) – A foul odor in the air that has not gone unnoticed by residents of the Carson area is believed to be from organic material drying in the Dominguez Canal.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and Works said preliminary findings indicate the material was left on the shores of the channel at low tide. Authorities have also ruled out any type of discharge from a nearby oil refinery or waste treatment facility.

According to Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, the smell, which has been described as a combination of “The Walking Dead” of rotten eggs and burning tires, is said to be hydrogen sulfide.

In a statement on Saturday, public health officials said its monitors had found “very low levels” of hydrogen sulfide in the past two days.

Low levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause residents to experience temporary symptoms such as headache, nausea, eye, nose and throat irritation.

Although health officials say only long-term exposure can cause problems, Davis-Holmes is calling for an investigation.

“I hope the rain expected in the forecast tonight will remove organic matter and reduce or improve the odor situation. My question to all agencies involved is what the problem is, what is being done to correct it, who is at fault and what is being done to prevent this from happening again? We continue our efforts to reach out to all affected entities for a resolution. “

Public health officials recommend that nearby residents keep doors and windows closed as much as possible until the odor subsides.
Some told Eyewitness News they had felt the relentless smell since Monday and suffered nausea and other symptoms as a result.

“I have lost my appetite. It gives me a big headache,” said a resident named Twila, who declined to give her last name. She imitated a gagging sound while describing the reaction of herself and her colleagues. “It’s bad,” she said.