Houston’s refineries are a constant and ongoing concern. They are dangerous in numerous ways, including due to the release of toxic gases into the air. Refineries handle large volumes of hazardous gases that increase the risk of explosions. The toxic gases released during the Houston oil refinery explosions are highly dangerous to the people who live and work near the plant. Many people do not know what these risks are.
Explosions are among the most common causes of significant releases of toxic gases. They can also happen when equipment fails to work as expected, including due to poorly maintained pipelines, gaskets, and valves. This can cause a buildup of gas in work areas, resulting in dangerously high levels for workers. Over time, these gases cause explosions, releasing dangerous substances such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia into the air.
This happens for many potential reasons:
When these situations occur, victims suffer from the exposure. That can lead to numerous health risks that often take time to develop.
Not all chemicals are easy to notice, and some have no scent. Yet they remain in the air around the plants for years. The longer a person breathes them in, the more likely they are to develop health complications.
When explosions occur, there are numerous short-term health risks, including:
Over the long term, additional health risks develop, often leading to numerous health complications and serious consequences. Examples of high-concentration or long-term exposure risk include:
Many of these toxic chemicals are present at low levels, sometimes considered safe. However, that is not always the case. Often, there is a lack of monitoring for safe levels. And when explosions occur at the Houston refinery, the immediate release of toxins is very dangerous. It can lead to immediate health complications.
When Houston refinery explosions occur, the need for financial support for victims with serious illnesses is very high. Contacting a personal injury attorney becomes critical to seeking fair financial support. If you believe you have exposure to toxic chemicals and related health complications, seek help to determine what your losses are.
You may be able to recover damages such as:
Every situation is a bit different, but consulting an attorney with experience in this area can be a critical investment. It takes a legal team with a long history of knowledge fighting for victims of these large companies to get results.
The Doan Law Firm represents victims harmed by the negligence of big companies like these Houston refineries. If you are battling illness through no fault of your own, let us help you hold them accountable. Call today to schedule a free consultation.