Odor advisory issued for Coachella Valley

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) issued an odor advisory on Tuesday for the Coachella Valley due to elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide, creating the smell of rotten eggs.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is associated with natural processes occurring in the Salton Sea.

SCAQMD officials said hourly average concentrations of H2S peaked Tuesday morning at 36 parts per billion immediately downwind of the Salton Sea. The monitoring site is close to the shore in a low populated area.

The levels have since decreased and are now below the state standard of 30 parts per billion. Residents in the Coachella Valley may experience odors if southeasterly winds continue Tuesday.

According to a release, the state standard for outdoor levels of hydrogen sulfide is 30 parts per billion averaged over one hour. At that level people may experience symptoms such as headaches and nausea. However, the symptoms associated with this level of exposure are temporary and do not cause any long-term health effects. Humans can detect hydrogen sulfide odors at extremely low concentrations, down to a few parts per billion.

SCAQMD will update its information if conditions warrant.