Proposition 65 Notice: Contamination Investigation at Compton Dry Cleaners Site

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has received a Proposition 65 Notice from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), signaling an ongoing investigation into contamination near Courtesy Cleaners, located at 1705 E. Compton Blvd, Compton, CA 90221.

DTSC, the lead regulatory agency, is conducting indoor air and subsurface sampling at the site under its oversight. The site is currently under environmental investigation to assess potential contamination. If required, cleanup and mitigation measures will be implemented to support the continued operation of Courtesy Cleaners and other businesses within the plaza. Courtesy Cleaners has been operating in Courtesy Plaza since the 1950s.

Historically, Courtesy Cleaners utilized tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in its dry-cleaning processes, a chemical that may have contaminated the surrounding soil and groundwater. PCE, when present in soil vapor, can enter buildings through foundation cracks, potentially compromising indoor air quality in a process known as vapor intrusion. Over time, PCE naturally degrades into trichloroethylene (TCE), another harmful substance.

PCE and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were commonly used by dry cleaners for many decades until their use was banned in California in 2023. Both PCE and TCE, along with other VOCs, are recognized by the State of California as potential carcinogens.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 (USEPA), has identified significant health risks associated with exposure to PCE and TCE in indoor air. These risks include cancer, hazards to pregnant women, and potential heart defects in fetuses. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may also elevate cancer risk.

The investigation by DTSC is ongoing, and residents and businesses in the area are advised to stay informed about the results and any necessary actions that may follow.