ExxonMobil Beaumont Issues Shelter-in-Place Order for Charlton-Pollard Neighborhood

Situation Overview

On February 24, 2023, ExxonMobil's Beaumont refinery in Texas issued a shelter-in-place order for the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood due to an operational incident. The order was issued as a precautionary measure following the detection of elevated levels of benzene in the air.

Incident Details

According to ExxonMobil, the incident occurred during a planned maintenance activity at the refinery. A release of benzene was discovered, and the company immediately initiated emergency response procedures. The source of the release has been identified and isolated.

Benzene Hazards

Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is a known carcinogen and can cause short-term health effects such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to increased risk of leukemia and other blood cancers.

Shelter-in-Place Order

The shelter-in-place order issued by ExxonMobil affects approximately 1,000 residents in the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood. Residents are advised to stay indoors and close all windows and doors. They should also turn off all fans and air conditioners to prevent the circulation of outside air.

Important Precautions

In addition to sheltering in place, residents are urged to follow these precautions:

• Do not go outside.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Turn off all fans and air conditioners.
• Listen to local news and follow official instructions.
• If you experience any health effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Response and Investigation

ExxonMobil is working closely with local authorities and environmental agencies to address the situation. The company is conducting air monitoring and cleanup operations. An investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.

Community Outreach

ExxonMobil is providing updates and resources to the community through its website and social media channels. The company has established a hotline for residents to report any concerns or health effects.

Additional Information

For more information, please visit the ExxonMobil website or call the community hotline at 1-800-522-7294.