![]() ![]() The mistakes of the past cannot be repeated. This was due to the use of inadequately protective standards for benzene risk. Jennifer Hadayia, Executive Director of Air Alliance Houston said: "Every time there is an event – a large-scale fire like what happened yesterday or even everyday flares – industry representatives tell us there is no cause for concern, that the lingering smells, smoky air, and even itchy throats and coughs are ‘normal.’ History has shown that these early statements are for the benefit of industry public relations and not public health."Īs evidence: a two-part investigative report released this week by the Public Health Watch and the Texas Tribune about a fire in 2019 at the nearby ITC petrochemical tank farm in Deer Park revealed that toxic levels of benzene lingered in the air for days after the disaster, even though industry and regulatory officials told residents the air was safe. Since the facility has 24 hours to self-report the amount of emissions released, stating there is no harm is knowingly misleading. ![]() This particular plant manufactures olefins, such as ethylene, propylene, and butadiene, which are known carcinogens. Moreover, during events like this, other toxic chemicals made or in use at the facility are also released into the air. Smoke from fire, by definition, contains Particulate Matter, one of the most dangerous air pollutants, lodging in lungs and causing respiratory issues. Last night, after a fire erupted and burned for hours at their facility, sending nine people for medical evaluation, Shell Chemical officials said "There is no danger to the nearby community." This is patently false. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and other officials give a press conference on the details of the Shell chemical plant fire in Deer Park.Īir Alliance said this in response to Shell's statement on that there was no danger to the community: The cause of the fire will be the subject of a future investigation.ĭeer Park Fire: Houston-area officials give update on chemical plant fire There is currently no danger to the nearby community. However, Shell officials said all nine were released after undergoing precautionary medical evaluations.Īir monitoring is ongoing, and has not detected any harmful levels of chemicals. We're told the total number of injuries was increased by officials in the latest update, nine contractors were injured. The fire is reported to be diminishing and is contained, officials say. The product is said to be being depressurized at this time. Preliminary information revealed the item on fire is a hydrocarbon, heavy gas, precursor to a heavy gas in diesel. Officials added there was no explosion at the plant, only a fire. That's when, according to authorities, there was a leak that ignited shortly after. Sheriff Gonzalez says the fire started from a heat exchange between two heavy gas oils as workers were conducting maintenance on a unit. According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the fire was at the Shell Deer Park chemical plant at 5900 SH-225 at East Beltway.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |