Response teams went door-to-door Sunday to encourage residents of affected areas to evacuate, Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, told a news conference. Evacuations are not mandatory, he said.
“You may not be able to see or smell the vapors that could endanger your health and we recommend that everyone in the affected area consider moving to a new warning and we can confirm that it is safe to return home.” said Khaldun.
Nine weeks ago, a school and business were voluntarily evacuated last week after discovering dangerous fumes in the sewer network and nearby homes, according to Michigan State Police spokeswoman Bailey Wilkins.
Officials aren’t sure how far gasoline has run through sewer systems, “so we can’t say right now that the air in your home isn’t affected by that gasoline release,” Hertel said.
Both long-term and short-term exposure to benzene, which is used in gasoline and other products, can increase the risk of cancer, cause blood problems and damage the immune system, according to the state health department statement.
Breathing in higher benzene levels can cause drowsiness or dizziness, have headaches, vomiting or a fast heart rate, he added.
Investigators will test the air inside the homes, which could take weeks, Hertel said.
Residents will be helped to move and will be informed when they can return home after the investigation, Flat Rock Mayor Mark Hammond said.