SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — The County of San Diego is disputing findings by researchers who say they detected dangerous levels of hydrogen cyanide Monday morning in the Tijuana River Valley.
Hydrogen cyanide is an extremely poisonous and potentially deadly gas .
Researchers from San Diego State University and UC-San Diego claim they’ve also encountered hydrogen sulfide, another toxic material and this is why they decided to temporarily abandon their work in the area, leaving many residents to wonder if they are in danger.
Both compounds are said to be coming from the high volume of raw sewage flowing in from Mexico into the Tijuana River Valley just north of the border.
According to the International Boundary and Water Commission, for months, 40-50 million gallons of water tainted with raw sewage have been flowing daily into the Valley from the Tijuana side of the border.
However, the agency is reporting that on Tuesday, the flow was 11 million gallons as compared to 42 million the day before.
The County of San Diego say that despite the warnings brought on by the independent researchers and their ensuing move out of the Valley for health reasons, there is no need for residents to be fearful.
“I want to reassure everyone that this is not an imminent threat,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “Our county experts are actively gathering public health data and conducting research to provide the most accurate information. It’s unacceptable that South County residents have to worry about whether it’s safe to go outside. I’m fighting every day to address the root of this issue, but for now, you can trust the data.”
On Monday, after the County was told of the discovery of the hydrogen cyanide, it sent a Hazardous Incident Response Team to the Valley.
Alongside researchers from San Diego State University, it tested for hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide levels in the area.
Vargas said after the field assessments, the team confirmed the data does not indicate any immediate public safety concerns.
According to the county, hydrogen sulfide levels were varied in some areas, but they remain within safe limits. The county added that no significant hydrogen cyanide levels were detected that would threaten public health.
During a Tuesday morning news conference, Vargas also said she has requested investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health to evaluate health impacts and guide mitigation efforts.
Vargas insisted the public can depend on the county to continue monitoring the air quality and should there be any problems, residents will be notified.
Despite her assurances, school districts in the area continue to keep students inside while prohibiting any outdoor activities.
Some parents have decided it’s safer to keep their children out of school, something with which Vargas disagreed.
“We want to make sure public that we are OK to go to school, we don’t want to see kids staying home, if you have a precondition take care of yourself … let me assure everyone we got your back, everything is safe.”
