For weeks, residents of Carson, California have been dealing with a toxic smell. Los Angeles County officials said the smell was caused by hydrogen sulfide, or "sewage gas," produced by vegetation on the Dominguez Channel that rotted due to drought. Due to the low water flow, the debris in the channel is not exposed to enough oxygen, and harmful bacteria will multiply.

The Carson City Council announced on October 11 that the smell was a nuisance to the public. Since at least October 3, residents have been complaining of nausea and headaches. South Coast Air Quality Management officials did not notify the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works until October 11. 7. An investigation must then be conducted to determine the source.

On Friday, officials began spraying hydrogen sulfide with an odor neutralizer, but it took a few days to work. At the same time, both cities and counties provide reimbursement for hotel expenses and air purifiers.

"We are behind, and I think as the city government, we should admit our mistakes," Carson City Mayor Pro Tem Jim Dear admitted on Thursday. "We should act immediately."

Officials say the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere is not dangerous, but some residents are skeptical. A pregnant woman told the Los Angeles Times that she wanted to know if this would have any effect on her child. 

This city is no stranger to environmental impact. In 2020, the Carson Refinery caught fire. It burned for several hours and released toxic gases into the atmosphere.

Like the explosion, Carson’s battle with toxic smoke highlights the environmental injustice in communities of color. Carson is 37% Latino, 27% Asian, 24% black, and 7% white.

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