As part of the ongoing investigation to identify and address sources of hexavalent chromium in the City of Paramount, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), with assistance from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), is conducting air sampling for this metal at schools in Paramount. The objective of this sampling effort is to assess whether elevated levels of hexavalent chromium (found in some industrial areas) may also be found at the local schools.
SCAQMD has published an updated assessment of the monitoring data from the school sites. The previous report (from February 22, 2017) can be found on the aqmd.gov website here.
Sampling began on December 23, 2016 at six Paramount area schools and will continue until at least seven valid sampling results have been collected at a school site before the monitor is removed from the school. Since sampling is conducted every third day (1-in-3 day sampling schedule), seven valid samples would cover a minimum of two-and-a-half weeks. Sometimes, a sample is determined to be “invalid” due to loss of power in the sampler, equipment malfunction, or other reasons. To ensure high quality data, invalid samples are not part of this assessment.
The overall sampling results from that school will be compared to “background” or typical hexavalent chromium levels found elsewhere in the South Coast Air Basin. If the levels at a school are relatively consistent with levels at MATES IV monitoring sites near Paramount, then no further investigation at that location is needed. SCAQMD staff are working toward conducting hexavalent chromium sampling at as many Paramount schools as possible.
The full report can be viewed on SCAQMD’s website, following this link.
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