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The most dangerous chemicals present in plants and refineries can include hydrogen fluoride, benzene, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, and ammonia. Exposure to any of these chemicals can result in burns, trouble breathing, and other immediate side effects. Prolonged exposure may contribute to cancer, organ damage, and other long-lasting health problems.
Below are details about some of the most dangerous chemicals found in plants and refineries and how they can impact a person’s health and well-being.
Hydrogen fluoride is often used as an acid catalyst at oil refineries. Additionally, it’s sometimes used in the manufacturing of aluminum, refrigerants, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
When hydrogen fluoride comes into contact with the skin, it can penetrate tissue and bind with calcium and magnesium, which can result in tissue damage and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. This also has the potential to cause cardiac arrest and death.
Benzene is commonly used in the refining and petrochemical industries. It may be used to create other chemicals found in plastics, adhesives, and resins. Benzene can also serve as a heavy-duty solvent and degreaser.
As a colorless chemical, someone could be exposed to benzene without realizing it, and the consequences of this exposure can be severe.
If a person inhales or absorbs benzene, their body will break down the chemical into toxic metabolites that can damage the bone marrow. This can contribute to anemia, internal bleeding, and a weakened immune system.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify benzene as a known human carcinogen. If someone is exposed to benzene for a long time, they could be susceptible to various cancers.
At industrial plants and refineries, hydrogen sulfide is frequently a byproduct of processing sour crude oil and natural gas. The chemical can be extracted during the purification process and converted into things like elemental sulfur and sulfuric acid.
Hydrogen sulfide can interfere with cellular respiration by preventing cells from effectively using oxygen. This can lead to unconsciousness or death.
Outside of this, hydrogen sulfide is highly flammable, corrosive, and heavier than air. It can accumulate in low-lying and enclosed spaces and ignite easily near heat sources.
Chlorine may be used for water treatment, emission control, the synthesis of raw materials, and metallurgy.
Exposure to chlorine can cause immediate irritation to the eyes and throat, even at a low concentration. If chlorine is inhaled, it can react with moisture in the respiratory tract to form hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids, which can burn lung tissue.
Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent and can react violently with certain chemicals and combustible materials, which can result in fires or explosions.
Ammonia can serve as a coolant and chemical neutralizer at industrial plants and refineries.
High concentrations of ammonia can affect the nervous system and may cause confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Seek medical attention if you have been exposed to dangerous chemicals present at an industrial plant or refinery. If this exposure happened at work, you should report it to your employer and document the incident.
Consult with an experienced Houston refinery explosion lawyer who has experience with toxic chemical exposure cases. Your attorney can review the specifics of your situation. They may advise you to file a claim or lawsuit against anyone who may be responsible for your exposure.