Health Concerns Due to Santa Paula Explosion

The Ventura County Public Health Office has released the following information regarding the Santa Paula explosion:

Two people were treated for respiratory distress, a medical term that refers to both difficulty in breathing, and to the psychological effects associated with such difficulty.

Three firefighters were evaluated in the hospital.

One ambulance driver was treated for exposure to the toxic substance following the explosion.

A dozen hospital employees claimed to feel respiratory distress problems after treating patients.

Authorities are still trying to identify the substance released after the explosion.

Medical personnel strongly encourage people experiencing chest pains, breathing problems, respiratory distress, and itchy burning eyes related to chemical exposure from the explosion.

The Ventura County Public Health office notes that most of the patients treated for exposure have been released from the hospital.