Asbestos Contamination Forces Westside Apartment Evacuation

LOS ANGELES, CA — At least 15 residents of a West Los Angeles apartment building were relocated Thursday after the apparent discovery of asbestos.

Los Angeles County Health Hazmat officials were first to respond to the building in the 1800 block of South Prosser Avenue, and requested the assistance of the Los Angeles Fire Department, said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Fifteen residents were decontaminated and none expressed or exhibited signs of illness or injury, he said.

The circumstances of the exposure are unknown, said Humphrey, although it appears the exposure was contained to the building.

The Red Cross provided temporary transportation and lodging assistance to those affected. Los Angeles County Health Hazmat officials are investigating the exposure.

City News Service