Traces of volatile organic compounds were detected in two locations in Port Arthur on Wednesday, as well as very light to minor odor in other areas, according to a report from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TCEQ regional staff released handheld monitoring equipment data in light of the TPC Group explosion and ongoing fire in Port Neches.

MultiRAEs, QRAEs, AreaRAEs and UltraRAEs are used to provide instantaneous readings for various compounds that may include the lower explosive limit, VOCs, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, 1,3 butadiene and oxygen, the TCEQ stated.

Elevated levels of VOCs from TPC Group are odorous.

Short-term exposure to high concentrations of VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, headaches and nausea.

Data show only 0.025 parts per million, or ppm, of VOC was detected at H.O. Mills Boulevard, north of Shreveport Boulevard, in Port Arthur, and 0.05 ppm at 2875 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. in Port Arthur.

Data for the other substances at other locations show either 0 ppm or no reading.

Light odor (smoke) was detected at Texas Highway 93/Dorsey Street in Port Arthur.

Very light to no odor was noted at 10607 U.S. 69 and 4430 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. in Port Arthur, very light odor was recorded at 6001 60^th St. in Port Arthur, very light burning odor to no odor came in at 7610 North Twin City Hwy. in Port Arthur, and minor odor (burning smell) was recorded at Ridgewood Elementary School (2820 Merriman St.), 604 Thomas Haven Drive and 706 Magnolia Ave., all in Port Neches.