New Buzz:
The Escambia County Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has received reports of possible petroleum-like odors in the southern part of Escambia County. It is possible that these odors are related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. There is currently no measurement data of petroleum-like substances in the air.
The Escambia County Health Department is advising residents that exposure to petroleum-like odors may cause temporary respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, such as eye, nose, and throat irritation. People experiencing respiratory symptoms, including those with pre-existing severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease, should stay inside and consult their physician for treatment if symptoms persist. While inside, residents should close windows and run their cooling system. If symptoms persist while inside an air-conditioned home, residents may choose to leave the area until their symptoms are tolerable. The Health Department will continue to monitor this situation.