DEER PARK, Texas — We have heard from many KHOU 11 viewers are still worried about potential health hazards from the ITC chemical fire.
One question came from Bill C. whose son works with ITC. He says, "There is concern that the tanks and related feeder pipes at ITC may have asbestos lining. Exposure to particulates, even small amounts, can lead to a myriad of diseases, worst of which is mesothelioma. Has there been any verification that asbestos is or is not present?"
Some are skeptical of the information coming from ITC, but they're the only legitimate source for this particular question.
David Wascome, ITC's Senior VP of Operations, said there should be no asbestos in their equipment.
Yesterday, he said the tanks involved are 20-30 years old.
KHOU 11 verifies the EPA banned the use of asbestos 30 years ago.
Just to be sure, we checked with a second source too.
A professor of chemical engineering at UH.
Dr. Ramanan Krishnamoorti emailed saying, "It is extremely unlikely to have any asbestos in the tanks."
He added even if the original fittings from 30 years ago contained asbestos, they "most likely over the years have been replaced with non-asbestos ones".
So based on that information, we can verify that claims the burnt tanks contained asbestos are false.
As always, we're here to answer any questions you have about the ITC fire or any other rumor you hear.
You can send us a message on social media or email us at verify@khou.com.
MORE VERIFY STORIES ON KHOU.COM:
- Verify: Were all employees working at ITC let go after chemical fire?
- VERIFY: No, you don't have to give your Social Security number to hospitals
- VERIFY: What does it take to legally enter the U.S.?
- VERIFY: Think local honey is good for allergies? Here's why you're wrong.
- Verify: Can Walmart make you show a receipt?