One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Torrance refinery explosion: Exxon Mobil identifies source of dust
Aerial footage from NBC4 showed firefighters responding to the scene of an explosion at the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance, Calif., on February 18, 2015.
(
NBC4
)
The dust residents described falling from the sky after an explosion at the Exxon Mobile refinery in Torrance on Wednesday is not hazardous but could be an irritant, according to the company.
In a statement shared with KPCC early Friday, Exxon Mobil described the material as a catalyst that is primarily composed of metal oxides and amorphous silica and said that it could cause irritation to the skin, eyes and throat.
It said the results of its testing of the material were consistent with those of an independent test requested by the Torrance Fire Department.
The company has set up a claims hotline for anyone who may have been impacted as a result of the incident. The number is 844-631-2539.
The explosion Wednesday prompted the company to activate its flare system to burn off hydrocarbons as a precautionary measure, a move that resulted in a startling display of fire and smoke coming from the refinery's stacks.
Exxon Mobil said it was cooperating with investigators to determine the cause and develop a repair plan.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
