The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking into a chemical leak at an aerospace facility in Garden Grove, which prompted the evacuation of around 50,000 residents due to potential explosion risks, as reported by the agency.
Following a request from the Orange County Health Department, the EPA is assisting with air quality monitoring and sharing vital information with local authorities.
The EPA stated, “We have set up monitors across the area and within the community. Currently, all air monitors are showing no detections. We’re collaborating closely with state and local agencies, including the Orange County Fire Authority, which is leading the response.”
The monitoring efforts were initiated after a pressurized tank holding 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate—a highly flammable substance utilized in the production of plastics—began to heat up due to a failure in its cooling system.
Fire officials outlined two possible outcomes: a catastrophic explosion or a significant liquid spill. An explosion was deemed unlikely after a crack formed in the tank and efforts to cool it were underway. By Tuesday night, Orange County Fire Department Chief TJ McGovern indicated that evacuation orders had been lifted.
Although all public evacuation orders were canceled, Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El Farah confirmed that some road closures are still in effect, specifically on Western Street between Garden Grove Boulevard and Chapman Avenue.
Fire crews are actively assessing tank temperatures and working to manage the situation. Dr. C.K., the Orange County Health Officer, mentioned that air monitoring would persist to ensure that chemical fumes remain non-threatening.
Exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious health issues. According to Orange County Fire Department Chief Nick Freeman, “It can start as a mild respiratory irritant but may escalate to requiring hospitalization.”
Exposure can occur through inhalation or skin contact, with short-term effects including irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Long exposure carries risks of serious breathing complications.
