Elevated levels of a dangerous chemical detected near two L.A. County factories

"Air regulators issued violations to two Paramount foundries after detecting elevated levels of hexavalent chromium, a highly toxic metal and potent carcinogen. The chemical is 500 times more carcinogenic than diesel exhaust and poses the second-highest cancer risk among toxic air contaminants in California. Investigators say both facilities failed to conduct required tests, properly clean work areas and operate equipment with necessary permits."

"Air samples collected Sept. 10-22 in the city of Paramount had "slightly elevated" levels of hexavalent chromium, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Federal and state regulators have found in the past that the chemical compound is a potent carcinogen with no safe level of exposure. The samples that led to the violations were collected at a city-run monitoring station near Minnesota Avenue and Madison Street, prompting the air district to launch an investigation and conduct inspections at several industrial facilities nearby."

"Hexavalent chromium, commonly known as chrome, is best known for providing shiny, rust-resistant coating to auto parts, aviation components and tools. Foundries, which liquefy and cast metals, can release hexavalent chromium during melting, welding and grinding. The heavy metal is 500 times more carcinogenic than diesel exhaust and poses the second-highest cancer risk of all toxic air contaminants tracked by the state, according to the California Air Resources Board. Only dioxins, which come primarily from burning waste materials, are deadlier than airborne hexavalent chromi"

Southern California air regulators detected slightly elevated levels of hexavalent chromium in samples collected Sept. 10-22 at a city-run monitoring station near Minnesota Avenue and Madison Street in Paramount. The South Coast Air Quality Management District inspected nearby industrial facilities and issued multiple air-quality violations to Pro Cast Industries, located across the street, and Fenico, about 1,300 feet east. Investigators found failures to conduct required tests, properly clean work areas and operate equipment with necessary permits. Hexavalent chromium is a highly toxic, potent carcinogen produced during melting, welding and grinding at foundries and poses major cancer risk.

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