On February 1, a fire at the Martinez Refining Company released hazardous chemicals, but prevailing winds prevented widespread danger to populated areas. Contra Costa Health Services confirmed that air quality was mostly within safe limits during the incident, although there were brief periods with elevated levels of dangerous particulate matter. Health officials, while relieved, noted the incident highlights the importance of safety measures. An independent firm will conduct a root-cause analysis, with a follow-up report due in March to address the incident's causes and future prevention.
This could have been much worse, Tzvieli said. We got lucky this time. But our community shouldn't have to rely on luck.
Air-quality measurements taken by Contra Costa Health's hazmat staff during the incident showed that concentrations of chemicals in the air during the event were mostly below the threshold considered dangerous.
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