ITC Fire and Chemical Leak, Deer Park, TX

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ITC Fire and Chemical Leak, Deer Park, TX

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Dangers from the ITC Fire in Houston/Deer Park in March, 2019

The fire from the International Terminal Co. facility in Deer Park, Texas in March, 2019 burned for days. During that time, the EPA stated the air quality was not hazardous; however, residents of Deer Park were advised to shelter-in place. Additionally, a cloud of black smoke loomed over a large part of Houston during that time. Even after the fires were supposedly extinguished, a dike wall collapsed, and chemicals contained within the trenches broke out in fires anew. Additional shelter-in-place warnings were issued to industrial neighbors and the San Jacinto State Battleground Park.

What we now know!

Multiple hazardous chemicals were burned in the tank farm fire, and these chemicals could pose future health problems to the community. Beyond health issues, there could be economic damage to the businesses in the community, damage to homes and vehicles, etc. Chemicals burned in the fire are Xylene, Naptha, Benzene and Toluene. Some of these hazards include:

Xylene & Naptha (when inhaled or passed through the skin):

Irritates skin and eyes. Prolonged or repeated contact can cause a skin rash, dryness and redness
Irritates nose and throat causing coughing and wheezing
Causes headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness. Repeated exposure can affect concentration, memory, vision and muscle coordination. Higher levels can cause coma & death
May damage the nervous system and affect the kidneys

Benzene

Drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, vomiting,tremors, confusion/unconsciousness
Inhaling /swallowing very high levels can cause cancer and be deadly

Benzene Effects on pets:

Drooling, gagging, coughing, respiratory issues
Shaking of head, pawing at face, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors

Toluene (Can be inhaled indoors or outdoors)

Affects the nervous system (brain and nerves), headaches
Weakness, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness
Memory loss, vision and Hearing loss may become permanent

What we still do not know!

Even after the fires are completely extinguished, it may be years before we know the full extent of the damage to health and community.

If you or one of your loved ones were exposed to the fumes from this disastrous fire, contact Longo Legal at 855-566-4648 for a free, confidential consultation so we can help you with a possible lawsuit. Hablamos Espanol.

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