Toxic Neglect: Methyl Bromide Exposure in Compton and Southeast LA Ignored by Regulators

At least six fumigation facilities in southeast Los Angeles County, including Compton, have been using methyl bromide, a toxic pesticide linked to serious health risks. Despite this, air quality regulators have failed to analyze the impact on nearby communities.

In West Long Beach, where facilities are located near homes and an elementary school, dangerous levels of methyl bromide were detected years before officials informed residents.

Now, it has been revealed that four additional facilities—two in Compton and two in San Pedro—are using the pesticide in even larger quantities. Global Pest Management’s Compton site, situated near residential neighborhoods and the 710 Freeway, used over 11,600 pounds of methyl bromide in 2022, far exceeding the levels found in West Long Beach.

Yet, no air monitoring has been conducted in Compton or San Pedro. While some new permit conditions have been imposed on the West Long Beach facilities, no such measures exist for Compton. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has only recently begun assessing potential health risks.

The Citizen’s Coalition remarks: "This is an unacceptable failure of public health oversight. Residents in Compton, like those in West Long Beach, deserve immediate air monitoring, transparency, and action to protect their communities from long-term harm."

Who Is Global Pest Management?

Compton Chamber looked into the culprit company Global Pest Management. This shameless company operates a fumigation facility at 1409 S. Sportsman Dr., Compton, CA 90221, near the 710 Freeway and surrounded by residential neighborhoods. In 2022, this facility used approximately 11,626 pounds of methyl bromide, a toxic pesticide associated with significant health risks. Despite the substantial use of this chemical, no air monitoring has been conducted at this site to assess potential impacts on the surrounding community.

Methyl bromide is an odorless and colorless gas classified as an ozone-depleting compound under the Montreal Protocol. The facility's proximity to residential areas raises concerns about potential health risks due to exposure.

This story was originally published by CalMatters.

Read more here:

https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/03/toxic-fumigant-communities-methyl-bromide/