Environmental Groups Warn Of Toxic 'Cement Mountains' In Maywood

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Environmental and community activists Thursday called for further studies to be conducted on what they termed "cement mountains" and other sources of toxic gas fumes near Southland homes, parks and schools.

Members of the California Latino Environmental Advocacy Network (CLEAN) and Padres Unidos de Maywood (PUMAS) want Cal-EPA and other agencies to get rid of chemicals that are "poisoning where children play at the park, the boxing gym, and daycare centers," the group said in a statement.

KCAL9's Kaj Goldberg spoke with residents, who explained they are worried that the cement could contain chemicals or toxic gases, and believe it is affecting their health.

Residents explained unmarked trucks litter areas in the middle of the night with tire-sized concrete blocks.

The group called attention to "cement mountains" near the Atlantic Boulevard/Bandini off-ramp on the 710 Freeway in Maywood.

Goldberg went on to explain residents in the area are now looking to state and federal environmental officials to take action towards cleaning up the neighborhoods.