Emergency Response

OEHHA's Highlighted Emergency Response Activities

Aliso Canyon Underground Storage Field, Los Angeles County

Evaluation of over four months of Porter Ranch neighborhood air sample data posted for peak levels of benzene, a toxic chemical in natural gas. Summary of expert input reguarding health measures taken for the Aliso Canyon gas leak.

OEHHA's Emergency Function:

To provide emergency personnel with information on the health effects of chemical agents and characterizing the risk to the public and environment from chemical releases

Firefighters respond to a chemical spill

Emergency Response Reports

Wild Fire Smoke - A Guide for Public Health Officials is designed to help local public health officials prepare for smoke events, take measures to protect the public when smoke is present, and communicate with the public about wildfire smoke and health. The guide focuses on the composition of smoke, potential health effects, effects on sensitive populations, and recommendations for protective measures. The Guide was originally written by OEHHA, CDPH, US EPA, and the Montana Health Department. This 2016 version has been updated with the assistance and expertise from a number of federal and state agencies.

September 2015: FACT SHEET: Protecting Public Health from Home and Building Fire Ash

Firefighter This report summarizes safe methods of ash cleanup. All persons accessing burned structures should be aware of the hazards associated with those sites. Cleanup efforts may expose you to ash, soot, and fire decomposition products that may cause irritation and other health effects. Any ash may contain small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals.

Sacramento Trestle Fire 2007

On March 15, 2007, a wooden train trestle caught fire northeast of downtown Sacramento, California. The trestle, largely constructed of creosote-treated wood ties and structural beams, continued to burn uncontained for 48 hours.

This report discusses the public health impacts from the Sacramento Trestle Fire and provides an analysis of air quality data.

Tire Fire Smoke: Major Constituents and Potential for Public Health Impacts

This 2002 report identifies the major chemical constituents of smoke from burning tires, the toxicity of those chemicals, and the potential effects on human health.