Five Louisiana oil refineries rely on a toxic chemical so lethal that an explosion could expose over 3 million people to a toxic cloud capable of traveling long distances. It is hydrofluoric acid, and three of those five oil refineries are in the New Orleans area.
Oil refineries in the United States use hydrofluoric acid to produce high-octane gasoline. Past refinery explosions have met with disastrous results. A 2009 explosion in Corpus Christi, Texas, critically injured a worker and the fire burned for two days. A 1987 explosion in Torrance, California, shot a fireball 1500 feet into the air and shattered windows in nearby houses. People reported broken eardrums, back pain and lung damage.
The five Louisiana refineries using hydrofluoric acid are:
· Chalmette Refining in Chalmette
· ConocoPhillips Alliance in Belle Chasse
· Marathon Petroleum in Garyville
· Murphy Oil in Meraux
· Placid Refinery in Port Allen
Hydrofluoric acid can move long distances in a chemical cloud. Exposure to its fumes causes lung congestion and burning of the eyes, skin and digestive tract. It can corrode bones and has caused fatal lung injuries. A 1986 experiment proved that exposure to it can be lethal up to two miles from the release point. It can cause sickness up to five miles from the release point.
Chemical companies can be reckless and the result is innocent people suffering exposure to harmful chemicals. Contact a New Orleans injury lawyer if you suffer injuries from dangerous chemicals. A New Orleans injury attorney is prepared to discuss your case with you.
Information in this post attributed to: thelensnola.org