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What is Naphtha, the chemical burning in St. John the Baptist Parish - WDSU New Orleans

WDSU New Orleans · last updated

What is Naphtha?

What is Naphtha, the chemical burning in St. John the Baptist Parish

A fire and chemical release was reported Friday at the Marathon Refinery in Garyville.

According to officials with Marathon, a naphtha release and fire was reported at a storage tank on the company's site.

The release and fire are contained within the refinery’s property, and there have been no injuries.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, naphtha is a refined or partially refined petroleum most commonly used for gasoline or jet fuel.

A safety sheet on Marathon Petroleum's website describes the chemical as highly flammable and harmful if inhaled.

Naphtha can cause skin irritation, drowsiness, and dizziness if inhaled, according to the safety sheet.

Inhalation of high vapor concentrations may cause symptoms like headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, according to the safety sheet.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a doctor for treatment.

For more information on naphtha, click here.

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