Protect Workers from Exposure to Dangerous Levels of Hydrogen Sulfide (SB 1046)

For decades, billions of gallons of raw sewage, industrial waste, and trash flowing across the US/Mexico border annually have created a public health crisis in South San Diego County and North Baja California.  This cross-border pollution affects our entire region.

• Tens of thousands of people have gotten sick from contaminated water and air
• Our beaches have been closed for more than four years
• Our economy and environment suffer daily

Why it keeps happening:

• The Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution (CIS) that's intended to address cross-border pollution is still being implemented
• Existing infrastructure in both the US and Mexico is old and the funding for regular maintenance has yet to be secured
• There's no existing treatment infrastructure for contamination in the river
• Contaminated water in the main river channel is entering the air through a process called aerosolization, releasing harmful levels of hydrogen sulfide and other dangerous gasses that are making people sick, especially people who are required to work in impacted environments
• Exposure to hydrogen sulfide is associated with headache, nausea, respiratory irritation, nasal symptoms, and neurological effects, and current evidence indicates that chronic exposure can contribute to persistent respiratory and neurological impacts, with heightened susceptibility among children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting health conditions

SB 1046 would set clear standards for workers exposed to hazardous, transboundary pollution that crosses the California-Baja border.  

Why this makes sense:

It is important to have guidance and tools to ensure protection or safety for workers at risk, including respiratory protection.  Employers currently lack these resources and reporting mechanisms specific to these conditions do not exist.  Such mechanisms are necessary to track the impact of the pollution on workers and hazard communications are needed to improve worker safety.

CalOSHA and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) have already developed and adopted standards for other occupational safety risks.  This bill requires CalOSHA to propose to OSHSB a standard that protects the health and safety of employees that CalOSHA determines is at risk of high or prolonged exposure to transboundary pollution in their outdoor workplace, including lifeguards and park rangers.  Standards should include, but are not limited to, respiratory protection, hazard communication, training on pollution exposure symptoms, and reporting of pollution exposure incidents.

Learn more about Surfrider's Clean Border Water Now program.