Around 40,000 people in Orange County, California, have been ordered to evacuate after authorities warned that a large tank containing a toxic chemical could leak or even explode.
The Dangerous Chemical Tank
The tank contains methyl methacrylate (MMA), a chemical used to make plastics. MMA can cause serious breathing problems if humans are exposed, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Authorities have been working for two days to prevent the tank from overheating and possibly exploding.
Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey said the tank’s temperature is dropping. “It’s down to around 61 degrees, with 50 being its safe level,” he said. Officials are working through the night to prevent any disaster.
Evacuations and Public Safety
Evacuation orders cover a 9-square-mile area, affecting more than 40,000 residents. Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra said about 15% of people, or roughly 6,000 residents, refused to leave. Authorities used reverse 911 calls and social media posts to alert residents.
Thirteen schools and two other facilities in the Garden Grove Unified School District were evacuated. The industrial site is about five miles from Disneyland and four miles from Knott’s Berry Farm, adding urgency to the safety measures.
Health Risks of MMA Exposure
MMA is heavier than air, so it tends to stay low. Authorities say the air outside the evacuation zone is currently safe. Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong warned that exposure can irritate the lungs and nose, and can also cause dizziness and nausea. She said there is limited data on human exposure, so the potential effects of an explosion are unpredictable.
Although MMA has a fruity smell, detecting the scent does not mean someone has been exposed to harmful levels. Authorities are closely monitoring the air, and no MMA has been detected outside the tank so far.
What Happened at the Facility
The crisis began on Thursday when a vapor release was detected from one of three MMA tanks at the Garden Grove facility. The tank’s temperature increased, activating its relief valve and overhead sprinklers. The other two tanks were either neutralized or not at risk.
Evacuation orders were briefly lifted Thursday night but reinstated after crews discovered a damaged valve in the tank, which prevented the chemical from being safely removed.
Residents shared their struggles with the evacuation. Diane Chavira had to quickly gather her four dogs and leave, while Jacqueline Riegos described the situation as chaotic, with no clear information on how long the danger would last.
Authorities’ Actions and Challenges
Fire officials said the tank’s manufacturer tried everything to control the situation but could not fix the problem. The tank holds 7,000 gallons of MMA, and authorities warned that it could either crack and leak or explode. Covey said, “This is highly volatile, highly toxic, and highly flammable.”
Evacuation orders were expanded to a large area because many factors could trigger the tank’s failure. Covey emphasized that residents need to stay in safe locations, as the chemical’s release could be affected by wind and weather conditions.
Officials continue to monitor air quality, but residents are urged to stay out of the evacuation zone until the threat is fully controlled.
