About Environmental Odors
Page originally published 09/27/2024. Page last updated 10/02/2024.
Many substances in the environment can produce odors.
- They can come from many sources including animals, human activities, industry, nature, and vehicles.
- These odors are typically smelled when outdoors and sometimes indoors with the windows open.
- People can smell and react to certain chemicals in the air before they are at harmful levels. Sometimes, odors can affect entire communities. These odors can also cause temporary symptoms.
Hydrogen sulfide has been detected in higher-than-normal amounts for short periods of time in the South Region.
- The gas is released during organic decomposition, such as what could be expected in sewage-contaminated water but can also be from a by-product of oil refining and burning.
- The Environmental Protection Agency describes hydrogen sulfide as a gas that smells similar to rotten eggs.
- In October 2023, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) set up sensors at one South Bay location to investigate odors. Four additional sensors were added in August 2024 for a total of five sensor locations in South Bay.
- Learn more about what the County is doing to improve conditions.
On this page:
Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable (can catch on fire), colorless gas.
- It can be released into air, water, and soil during organic decomposition (breakdown), such as sewage-contaminated water, but can also be from a by-product of oil refining and burning.
- The Environmental Protection Agency describes hydrogen sulfide as a gas that smells similar to rotten eggs.
- Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can occur from breathing contaminated air or drinking contaminated water.
Symptoms
Everyone reacts to odors differently. The health impact of air pollution or odors depends on the amount of gas present, sensitivity of the person, intensity of activity, and length of exposure.
Smelling hydrogen sulfide does not always mean that it will make you sick, but exposure may cause:
- Irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat;
- Headaches;
- Poor memory;
- Tiredness;
- Balance problems; and
- Difficulty breathing.
These symptoms should be short-term and typically resolve when the odor goes away or when the person is in an area where the odors are not present.
- Symptoms can be worse in people with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease.
- Children with respiratory
or heart conditions are more vulnerable and may require extra
precautions.
If symptoms are persistent, worrisome, or worsening, people should seek medical attention and take steps to reduce exposure to the odors.
Protect Yourself
Smelling environmental odors, like hydrogen sulfide, does not always mean that it will make you sick. But if the smell is strong or you are concerned:
Reduce your exposure:
- Limit outdoor activity.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Air out your home, or business, when odors are not present.
Improve air quality:
- If available, use air conditioning, or portable indoor air purifiers. Look into whether filters need to be replaced.
- Use certified HEPA filters with activated charcoal.
- If possible, run your air conditioner at your business for 1-2 hours before opening.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Environmental Odors
-
San
Diego County Air Pollution Control District: Actively
investigating numerous odor complaints from communities
surrounding the Tijuana River Valley.
- Report odor
complaints to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control
District by:
- Mobile app,
- Phone at (858) 586-2650,
- Email to apcdcomp@sdapcd.org, or
- Visit online.
- Report odor
complaints to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control
District by:
Environmental
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