Toxic gas released as a result of plumbing problem prompts evacuation of Glendale apartment complex

Nearly 30 households were displaced Saturday night after a plumbing issue in a unit of an old Glendale apartment complex caused the release of a flammable, highly toxic gas, officials said.

At around 10:15 p.m., a resident of a 28-unit apartment complex in the 100 block of West Dryden Street called firefighters after smelling an odor in her home, according to Glendale Fire spokeswoman Brandy Villanueva.

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Firefighters evacuated the building while hazardous materials crews tested the air and detected hydrogen sulfide, a gas that smells like rotten eggs and in low concentrations, can cause eye burning, tearing, coughing and shortness of breath, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Crews traced the gas back to the unit’s plumbing system, which was replaced, Villanueva said.

The American Red Cross provided overnight housing for the residents, who were allowed to return at 11 a.m. the following morning.

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Alene Tchekmedyian, [email protected]

Twitter: @atchek

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