Alfonso Berumen This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. www.dailybreeze.com

   www.dailybreeze.com/news/artic - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/8/2007   Last Visited: 6/8/2007

   The discovery near the 1500 block of East Young Street had inspectors working around the clock to ensure the substance was disposed of properly and didn't pose any health risks, said Alfonso Berumen, a hazardous materials specialist with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
   
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   The street lined with single-family homes and apartments was blocked about 8 p.m. Monday, and residents were told to stay away from the area, Berumen said.
   
   The county Fire Department's Health Hazmat Division and inspectors with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control finally wrapped up their work about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
   
   One 16-year-old boy was sent to a hospital after complaining of headaches, Berumen said, but no one else was believed to be affected. He did not know the teen's condition Thursday afternoon.
   
   Even small amounts of mercury can be harmful in poorly ventilated spaces, and those who inhale high levels of the vapors could experience more serious health issues, such as lung and gastrointestinal damage.
   
   Hazmat investigators believe five children from 10 to 16 years old could have come into contact with the mercury last weekend, Berumen said.
   
   A 12- to 16-ounce bottle in the neighborhood alley was about half-full with the substance, and crews also discovered more mercury in two nearby homes, he added. The bottle alone was believed to contain about 5 pounds.
   
   After combing through the residences this week with vapor detection devices, inspectors tossed out two sofas, a floor mat, a trash can and clothing, among other items. As a precaution, Berumen said crews also checked eight classrooms at nearby Wilmington Park Elementary School. All were in the clear.
   
   "A lot of kids walk through that area to get to the school," Berumen explained.
   
   Inspectors have not determined where the mercury came from, but Berumen said the bottle was not the only source, as the homes contained "extensive contamination."
   
   No one has opened a criminal investigation, he said.