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Tests From Affected Homes Reveal Metals In Dust Left Behind By Porter Ranch Gas Leak

PORTER RANCH (CBSLA.com) — As residents in Porter Ranch continue to deal with the aftermath of a 16-week gas leak, public health officials revealed the results of air and dust testing in affected homes.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it didn't find any chemicals at levels that were a health risk in the air.

But, in the dust tested, low levels of metals were found that may be causing the health problems that people are experiencing even after the leak was plugged.

Complaints include headaches, nose bleeds, and rashes.

"While they don't think the levels of the individual metals are of a major concern, any one of them, they said, could be causing the symptoms that people are still reporting," said Matt Pakucko, the president of the group, "Save Porter Ranch," who attended a meeting Thursday.

The health department said the metals found in the homes are traceable to the Aliso Canyon field and will be recommending a deep cleaning for the homes.

In the meantime, the department says it's safe for those who haven't relocated to stay.

Those who are still feeling sick, though, should move back after the cleaning.

"We're afraid to go home, we're sick when we go home. That's the problem, that's a big problem," he said.

One of the metals found was barium, but the health department said the levels weren't high enough to cause long-term issues.

The findings will be released to the public Friday morning.

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