Vapor Cloud Accidentally Escapes From Refinery
A foul-smelling vapor cloud from the Shell Oil Co.’s Carson refinery floated over a large section of the South Bay on Friday, causing scores of complaints but apparently no serious injuries.
Fire and air quality officials said they received more than 100 calls from Carson and Torrance residents complaining of eye irritation, breathing difficulties and other problems. But local hospital and emergency officials said no one requested treatment.
According to Shell, the vapor cloud contained hydrogen sulfide, butane and propane that escaped accidentally at 9:30 a.m. during testing of a gasoline processing unit. Air quality officials said they are investigating the release, the fifth air pollution problem at the Shell refinery since May.
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