Chemical stains left behind on vehicles after storm in Galena Park

GALENA PARK, Texas (FOX 26) - Residents of Galena Park say some type of chemical left stains all over their vehicles after a storm passed through the area on Monday afternoon.

The Harris County Pollution Control Services Department says it has received more than 100 reports of stains on cars. Department employees are working to determine what the substance is and where it came from. However, they say it appears to be an isolated incident and does not appear to have any health implications.

"It won’t wipe off," described Rick Havard. "It won’t smudge. It won’t smear." His truck is covered with dark yellow spots. He and other residents believe the chemical was released by one of the nearby chemical facilities.

So far, the damage only appears to be to property but that doesn’t stop Havard from worrying what it could be doing to his health.

"We’re out here breathing it," Havard told FOX 26 News. "I don’t see it in the air. I don’t smell it. I don’t feel it landing on me but the evidence is on the trucks that it landed everywhere."

An area car dealership reported that all of its inventory is damaged and any solution to removing the stains also appears to be stripping off some of the paint.

Ramiro Rodriguez lives in Galena Park and brought his vehicle to a car wash to see if the workers there have figured out how to remove the spots. The workers there said they have been busier than usual but getting the spots off seems impossible.

"If someone could tell us what it is, then we can figure out what we need to remove it," said car wash employee Mario Guadalupe.

The people with vehicles affected by the stains want answers and someone to make it right.

"To do everything within your power and means to correct whatever can be corrected and make restitution," added Havard.