[StBernard] Dust from Chalmette refinery lands on students

[Westley Annis]

Dust from Chalmette refinery lands on students
Amanda McElfresh 
amcelfresh at theadvertiser.com 

The Department of Environmental Quality and several other agencies are
investigating a release of petroleum coke dust from the Chalmette Refinery
in Chalmette. According to a news release, the material traveled off the
site and onto a field where several hundred children were watching a battle
re-enactment.

The material is considered to have a low degree of toxicity and is not
expected to have any major adverse health effects. Some minor effects may
include eye and respiratory irritation. Those with pre-existing medical
conditions, such as skin and respiratory disorders, may see those conditions
aggravated.

The incident occurred early Friday afternoon when refinery workers were
cutting a petroleum coke drum. According to the release, the dust came out
of the drum and westward winds blew it onto the field. About 400 to 500
fourth and fifth graders were viewing the re-enactment. The children were
taken back to their schools, but two children were taken to the hospital.