Deer Park Shelter in Place lifted: All clear given after gas release involving H2S gas at Lubrizol Deer Park
Deer Park given all-clear following gas release
A shelter-in-place was in effect in Deer Park for hours on Tuesday following a reported gas release from Lubrizol. FOX 26's Olivia Dance shared Wednesday morning updates as the incident was downgraded to a Level 2 incident.
DEER PARK, Texas - The all-clear has been given after a shelter-in-place order was given in Deer Park on Tuesday evening.
What we know:
According to CAER, a chemical odor, which was later determined to be a release of H2S gas, occurred around 6:20 p.m. at Lubrizol Deer Park.
Deer Park city officials said the incident, which was initially called a Level 3 incident, has been downgraded to a Level 2 incident.
City officials said it was confirmed that H2S gas was released when phosphorus pentasulfide came into contact with water.
Officials said the incident is ongoing and there is no threat to the community as of this update.
In a statement to FOX 26, Lubrizol said, "Air monitoring at the property fenceline has not detected unusual conditions, and the incident is being downgraded."
Photo from the scene at Lubrizol plant in Deer Park
What we don't know:
It's unclear if any injuries were reported.
What is H2S gas?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA, Hydrogen sulfide (also known as H2S, sewer gas, swamp gas, stink damp, and sour damp) is a colorless gas known for its pungent "rotten egg" odor at low concentrations. It is extremely flammable and highly toxic.
Hydrogen sulfide is used or produced in a number of industries, such as:
- Oil and gas refining
- Mining
- Tanning
- Pulp and paper processing
- Rayon manufacturing
Hydrogen sulfide also occurs naturally in sewers, manure pits, well water, oil and gas wells, and volcanoes. Because it is heavier than air, hydrogen sulfide can collect in low-lying and enclosed spaces, such as manholes, sewers, and underground telephone vaults. Its presence makes work in confined spaces potentially very dangerous.
The health effects of hydrogen sulfide depend on how much H2S a worker breathes and for how long. However, many effects are seen even at low concentrations. Effects range from mild, headaches or eye irritation, to very serious, unconsciousness and death.
The Source: Information for this story is from CAER Online, Lubrizol, the City of Deer Park, and OSHA.