Julie Dermansky /Photojournalist

Plume from the Texas Petroleum Chemical plant, on fire the day after multiple explosions rocked the plant, near homes that are 1/2 mile from the plant. Though authorities issued a mandatory evacation for those living in a four mile radious of the plant, many remained at home. Regualtors warned that its air monitoring indicates no human health concerns, though the incident is causing the release of chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and that elevated levels of VOCs from this facility are odorous. Short-term exposure to high concentrations of VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, and nausea.