(Santa Ana, CA) –- Information provided to the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) indicates that tetrachloroethylene has been detected in subsurface and indoor air samples at 1002 E. 17th Street, Suites A-R in the City of Santa Ana. Sampling of soil and sub-slab gas and indoor air conducted in November and December 2023 by the responsible party and reported to the HCA indicates the presence of chemicals which are considered human carcinogens and/or cause other toxic effects to humans.
One of the chemicals found, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC), is used primarily as a dry cleaning and degreasing solvent. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified cancer and non-cancer hazards based on exposure to PCE. The detected indoor air levels of PCE within the buildings located at this address exceed USEPA’s long and short-term exposure screening levels.
Another chemical found, only in subsurface samples, Trichloroethylene (TCE), is used primarily as a degreasing agent in various industrial processes. The USEPA Region 9 has identified cancer and non-cancer hazards based on exposure to TCE in indoor air. A specific vulnerable population is women in the first trimester of pregnancy, due to the potential for causing heart defects in the developing fetus. Long-term exposure may lead to increased risk of kidney or other cancers. The detected indoor air levels of TCE within the building located at this address exceed the USEPA urgent response category.
Measures to reduce the risk of breathing in PCE and TCE could include increased ventilation, sealing openings in the floor, treating the indoor air or temporary relocation. The levels detected at the business may pose a risk to some individuals on this and adjacent properties; however, are not likely to pose a risk to the surrounding neighborhoods or the public in general.
The HCA 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 resource and to inform the public about potential exposures to chemicals.
A fact sheet that includes frequently asked health questions about Tetrachloroethylene and Trichloroethylene from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is available at ATSDR Tetrachloroethylene ToxFAQs (cdc.gov) and ATSDR Trichloroethylene ToxFAQs (cdc.gov), respectively.
More information about this site and the related sampling can be found at https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/?surl=l8sqq.
If you have any questions you may contact:
Chris Carson, Project Manager – Environmental Solutions Group at (714) 244-3662 or ccarson@partneresi.com
Geniece Higgins, Supervising Hazardous Materials Specialist at (714) 433-6260 or ghiggins@ochca.com.
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