In 2019, a group of massive tanks caught fire at a chemical storage facility that was owned by Intercontinental Terminals Company in Deer Park, a city in Harris County, Texas. Some of these tanks contained highly flammable chemicals—the fire caused the tanks to collapse, and chemicals went gushing into the ship channels nearby. Not only did chemicals go into the ship channels, but high levels of benzene, an invisible hydrocarbon, escaped into the outside air.
The effects of benzene can be seen in a short period of time after large quantities are inhaled, as it can affect the central nervous system thereby causing dizziness, a rapid heart rate, and headaches. But the effects of benzene can also manifest later, as it is known to cause cancer after repeated exposure. Because of this, even after the fire was extinguished, the invisible dangers of benzene lingered in the outside air that Deer Park residents were breathing daily.
Data revealed there were benzene emissions that were abnormally high and potentially dangerous for weeks after the Deer Park residents were told it was safe for them to return to work and school. Officials set a threshold for how much benzene in the air was too much for people to breathe, but now scientists, who study benzene, say that threshold was too high. Additional data shows that the benzene levels did exceed the threshold on at least seven different days after the last shelter-in-place advisory was over. The benzene levels did not exceed this threshold in the industrial areas only, but extended to the residential areas, affecting the Deer Park community. Scientists relying on the most recent science on benzene exposure have said that the officials who set the threshold should have chosen a much lower threshold.
The consequences of these high levels of benzene that the Deer Park residents were exposed to are still unknown. Because benzene has been known to cause cancer, it is possible that some residents will not experience the unfortunate consequences of the exposure until much later.
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of the negligence of others, it is important to find a skilled law firm to handle your claim. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the oldest personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys can assist you with your claim. Call us today at 713-222-7211 or toll free at 1-800-870-9584.