FEBRUARY 20, 2015
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA
ExxonMobil describes it as "fine light dust" from
a process catalyst and says it "may cause irritation" but "is
not expected to be hazardous, other than cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and
throat.
The powdery substance that fell from the sky onto Torrance
after Wednesday's explosion in the ExxonMobil Refinery was from a
chemical catalyst used in the plant, and "may cause irritation,"
according to a statement released by the oil company.
"The material is not expected to be hazardous to people
or animals under the conditions it was released," stated ExxonMobil.
"However, it may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and
throat."
Some witnesses as far as three miles from the refinery had
described "ash" coming down and sticking to cars.
"Fine light dust" is the phrase ExxonMobil used.
"The material is a catalyst used in our process and is
primarily composed of some metal oxides and amorphous silica," ExxonMobil
stated. "We sent the material for testing and our preliminary
results are consistent with the results from an independent test conducted at
the request of the Torrance Fire Department."
The company announced it has established a "claims
hotline," reachable at 844-631-2539.
The statement also gave an update on plant operations:
"The non-impacted units of the refinery continue to operate.
We are diligently working to ensure continued supply to our
customers."