DEER PARK, TX – Out of concern for air quality and public health, we are issuing this statement about the leak of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) at PEMEX Refining that occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Deer Park and Pasadena area.
We are deeply saddened at the loss of lives from this incident, and we are equally grateful to first responders and pollution control services for their swift action in addressing worker safety and calling for a Shelter-In-Place for the community.
However, there were some alarming gaps in the response, and questions remain about the toxicity of the air. H2S is a highly dangerous chemical that can have health effects even when inhaled at low concentrations.
At this time, a comprehensive understanding of the air quality impacts of this leak remains unknown. It is our recommendation to err on the side of caution and protecting public health. Until the leak is confirmed plugged, a “rotten egg” smell in the air should be reasonably assumed to be H2S, and residents should take precautions.
This H2S leak is PEMEX’s third illegal air toxic release in 2024 alone. On October 6, 2024, they released 500 lbs of Benzene, in direct violation of their air permit. This is a clear pattern of disregard for the safety and health of their workers and the community. PEMEX must, once and for all, end its practice of illegal releases, and the regulators who have allowed them to continue must hold them truly accountable. We would like to highlight that this facility is not new and was previously owned by Shell, Deer Park.
Following the chemical disaster at ITC Deer Park in 2019, authorities assured the public there were no lingering air quality impacts after the event was contained. Unfortunately, investigative journalism later revealed that air toxics did linger for several weeks following the ITC fire. It is critical that history not repeat itself here. This demands complete transparency from regulators and from PEMEX, as well as ongoing on-the-ground air monitoring of the Deer Park and Pasadena communities for any lingering effects.
###
- For more information about what to do during a chemical emergency, please read our brochure on Chemical Emergencies: What to do and how to protect yourself.
- For real-time updates on air quality, please visit the Houston AQI and take recommended precautions.
Media contact: Cassandra Casados-Klein at [email protected].
About Air Alliance Houston
Air Alliance Houston believes everyone deserves to breathe clean air. We support communities as they advocate for clean air and their health. For decades, we have championed clean air through research, education, and advocacy. www.airalliancehouston.org