Assessment of Air Pollution Impacts and Monitoring Data Limitations of a Spring 2019 Chemical Facility Fire.

Fires, explosions, and spills at petrochemical industry facilities create air pollution exposure risks for surrounding residences, which are disproportionately communities of color and low-income communities. This study analyzed local air pollution before, during, and after a 2019 industrial fire at the International Terminals Company's Deer Park facility in Houston, Texas. Meteorological conditions and pollution data from handheld, vehicular, and stationary monitors were analyzed. The fire produced elevated pollution levels in nearby residential areas. After the fire, benzene concentrations reached levels of concern for human health; particulate matter levels did not. Monitoring data gaps limited our ability to assess potential health effects of the fire; however, this does not suggest that industrial fires have minimal or no impacts on community exposure. In the absence of monitoring data, public health threats can be assessed by studying the scale of the incident, chemicals involved, meteorological conditions, and proximity to residential areas. The air pollution exposure and health effects of acute industrial emissions events can be significant but are not often captured by existing monitoring networks. Regulators and petrochemical companies can take steps to minimize the risk of industrial incidents and better monitor and convey risks to communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]