Community Corner
Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulphur Dioxide Warning In Richmond Flaring
The flaring was first reported at 4 a.m. Monday.
RICHMOND, CA — Flaring at the Chevron Richmond Oil Refinery Oil potentially sent two dangerous gases into the air — hydrogen sulfide, sulphur dioxide — according to an official state filing with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
The flaring forced the evacuation of some workers, less than 100, Monday morning, and sent a plume of black smoke drifting through the air.
No injuries have been reported.
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According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), "Hydrogen sulfide gas causes a wide range of health effects. Workers are primarily exposed to hydrogen sulfide by breathing it. The effects depend on how much hydrogen sulfide you breathe and for how long. Exposure to very high concentrations can quickly lead to death."
Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide gas has a strong, choking odor. "Sulfur dioxide dissolves easily in water to form sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is a major component of acid rain," reports the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services. "Acid rain can damage forests and crops, change the acidity of soils, and make lakes and streams acidic and unsuitable for fish. Sulfur dioxide also contributes to the decay of building materials and paints, including monuments and statues."
Find out what's happening in El Cerritofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Read more on hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid.
California report on Richmond flaring.
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