One person has died following a chemical release at the PEMEX Deer Park facility, according to KHOU

DEER PARK, Texas (KWTX) – One person is dead and another was hospitalized after a hydrogen sulfide release at the PEMEX plant in Deer Park, KHOU reports.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed to KHOU that at least one person died, another person was taken to an area hospital by Life Flight and several others were injured.

According to KHOU, PEMEX said it was carrying out activities that could lead to flaring.

Sheriff Gonzalez said on Facebook that the City of Deer Park set up a shelter for all Deer Park residents following the incident.

Residents are asked to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, turn off the air conditioning and wait until the all clear is given.

According to OSHA, hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs. It is very flammable and highly toxic.

According to OSHA, it occurs naturally in sewers, manure pits, well water, oil and gas wells, and volcanoes.

The health effects of hydrogen sulfide depend on how much and for how long someone inhales.

Effects can range from a mild headache or eye irritation to very severe unconsciousness or death, according to OSHA

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