Monitoring Air Quality in the Tijuana River Valley Area

The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has a nifty little site that allows you to check the daily air quality. The site monitors Hydrogen Sulfide or H2S, the odor you get from untreated sewage emerging from Mexico. The site may be read in English or Español.

This is a capture from the APCD site. This image on the site can be greatly enlarged.

Three Monitoring Sites

The three monitoring sites are located at the San Diego Fire Station #29 in San Ysidro, the Berry Elementary School in the community of Nestor and at the City of Imperial Beach Civic Center.   You can also receive email updates from the APCD.

How Can This Odor Impact Someone's Health?

"At this time, H2S levels detected by SDAPCD’s community-based monitors may cause symptoms in people sensitive to the odor. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that exposure to the odor will cause lasting impacts to a person’s health. H2S odor can cause symptoms such as headaches and irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. These symptoms may follow with dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort. Symptoms are expected to resolve when the odor goes away or when the person is in an area where the odor is not present.

For people with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or heart disease, symptoms can be more severe or more frequent. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention. Take added steps to reduce exposure to the odor, such as by limited outdoor activity, and the use of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or air purifier(s) (with filters that have activated carbon and, if possible, potassium permanganate)."

Community Hydrogen Sulfide Guidance

The Community Hydrogen Sulfide Guide informs you of what to expect and what is recommended at various levels (parts per billion). The different levels are:

Green—0 parts per billion (ppB) to 4.9 ppB

Yellow—5 ppB to 29.9 ppB

Orange—30 ppB or higher

Purple—More than 27,000 ppB

The purple code (more than 27,000 ppB) is the most concerning. "Many people could experience serious, lasting adverse health effects. First responders will evaluate for safety and potential shelter in place or evacuation order."

Frequently Asked Questions

This part of the website answers common questions from "What is hydrogen sulfide?" to "Can children be sent to school?" All these questions and answers my be found at The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District website.

Source: The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District

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