Recent reporting has uncovered air monitoring data and records that show that toxic benzene lingered for more than two weeks after shelter-in-place orders had been lifted related to the 2019 Deer Park ITC chemical disaster.
Experts say that more public health measures should have been taken related to the ITC chemical fire.
Reports say that benzene levels spiked to potentially dangerous levels for more than two weeks after residents told it was safe to return to school and work.
Deer Park residents are still reporting lingering health issues related to the chemical fire.
Source: The Texas Tribune, “Toxic benzene lingered for weeks after shelter-in-place warnings ended following 2019 Houston-area chemical fire,” by Erin Douglas, Alejandra Martinez and Caroline Covington, April 27, 2023