Health officials said there was a nearly two-hour delay from when the refinery first noticed the release of the material at 8:30 a.m. and when they notified the health department through a community warning system at 10:20 a.m.
Contra Costa Health reported that the department's hazardous materials team began collecting samples of the dust for further analysis at a lab.
The coke dust covered the ground, parked cars, and other surfaces in surrounding neighborhoods, the health department said. The material is black and looks like soot. Health officials urged the public to refrain from inhaling the material. However, in a statement, they said soap and water can be used to clean the dust from impacted outdoor surfaces.
"We are very concerned about the delayed notification to the Community Warning System. We are once again responding to a refinery incident and trying to determine the health impacts," said Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. "We understand this is an ongoing concern for our community and timely notification is critical."
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