A fireplace on the Martinez Raffining Company on February 1 released chemicals published that may cause cancer and heart and lung diseases, but strong winds have deported most of the harmful smoke from populated areas, so Contra Costa County Health Services.
In a press release, the contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Ori TziVeii on Tuesday how glad the Martinez community was this afternoon and the way close the refinerie fire was to develop into a crisis in public healthcare after a flag of carbon water led to a high flags of Rauch, which was kilometer in regards to the Martinez Raffinerie was seen.
“That could have been much worse,” said Tzierti. “We were lucky this time. But our community shouldn't need to depend on luck. “
On February 1st at 1:30 p.m., refinery workers opened the equipment for the planned maintenance of a processing unit that had been closed at the beginning of the week when they ray. A hydrocarbon losing from the devices inflamed. Six refinery workers were evaluated and released by the medical staff.
“Air quality measurements that were taken by the Hazmat employees of Contra Costa Health in the course of the incident showed that the concentrations of chemicals within the air in the course of the event were largely under the brink,” said the agency.
There was a short time in which the smoke of the fire remained closer to the ground and the measurements of dangerous particles – including benzene, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and xylol – were measured at a high level, said the agency. Health officials believe that the short time of increased levels will not have a significant effect on the health of the public.
Another update about the incident is expected in March as part of a 30-day follow-up report, which is prescribed by Contra Costa County Health. The district is hiring an independent company to carry out a root complaint analysis to determine why the accident happened and how future incidents can be prevented in the future.
The Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales Preston said that it was concerned about the release of chemicals and combustion nonsense products for the health of its district, which includes the area around the refinery.
“I’ll work to be sure that all reports and analyzes carried out by MRC, CCH and the Air District are released completely and immediately,” said Scales-Preston. “My top priority remains to be the health and security of the community.”
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