By Ron Berinstein
New data from the LA County Department of Public Works and the County Department of Public Health in addition to data from the South Coast AQMD discredit the often-reiterated criticism that might propel certain “Shutdown Whiteman” Campaigners.
LA County Board of Supervisors as a matter of due diligence on Nov. 7, 2023, directed the Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB) to perform an analysis of blood lead levels around the Whiteman Airport. Critics of the airport might suggest that children are endangered because of existing lead levels.
The following official reports are meant to document certain Whiteman Airport highlights and discount negative messaging.
Report of the Director of Public Health Dated Feb. 5, 2024
Based on the analysis completed by CLPPB, the percentage of children under 6 years old with a blood lead level equal to or greater than the CDC Blood Lead Reference Value (BLRV) of 3.5 mcg/dL within 1.5 miles of Whiteman Airport is 1.75% compared to 2.26% for rest of Los Angeles County.” RESULT: Children’s endangerment messaging should cease immediately, and valid information should be substituted.
Reports from South Coast AQMD
We believe these studies are overlooked.
The Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study V (MATES V) – 2018-2019 – Whiteman Airport Results were substantially lower than the U.S. EPA Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) – similar to lead concentrations found in other parts of the South Coast Air Basin.
2022 – Ten 24-hour samples were collected at Whiteman airport and analyzed for lead at South Coast AQMD’s laboratory. Results were substantially lower than U.S. EPA’s national standard (150 ng/m3) – RESULT: Skewed Whiteman Airport lead messaging should cease immediately. Valid information should be substituted.
Report from LA County Director of Public Work Dated Feb. 5, 2024
UNLEADED FUEL IS ON THE WAY- Public Works will provide Swift Fuels UL94 unleaded aviation gasoline. All LA COUNTY AIRPORTS WILL BE SERVED once the master agreement is finalized and the needed equipment is installed.
The LAC Department of Public Works Report and the LA County Public Health Report are available at https://scauwg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Public-Works-Report-02-05-2024.pdf.
The AQMD reports can be accessed at Whiteman Airport Lead Monitoring (aqmd.gov).
Ron Berinstein is the Director/Webmaster of SCAUWG.ORG, an independent website produced on behalf of the Southern California Airspace Users Working Group.