Porter Ranch worker says air quality led to miscarriage

(FOX 11) - State regulators now say a blowout is a big concern after SoCalGas has tried to plug a leaking well near Porter Ranch seven times.

If a blowout happens, experts say highly flammable gas would go up the well, creating a risk of a massive fire, possibly even an explosion. That would be a big safety risk to the people working in the immediate area.

That's not the only concern.

SoCalGas says higher than normal levels of benzene - a known cancer causing agent - have been found in the air.

A spokesperson says only a few benzene samples have been very high, and they are consistent with levels in surrounding areas.

But Michael Jerrett, the chair of the Environmental Health and Science department, says he has seen sample levels that are concerning, and he says some are not consistent with the levels in surrounding areas.

Adina Ferra-Trujillo is a hairdresser at the Earthly Body Centre in Porter Ranch and says the air quality has affected her.

She had a miscarriage after nine weeks of pregnancy in November. She believes it happened because of the gas leak.

"It's not describable...there's not a word in the dictionary that can describe that feeling," says Ferra-Trujillo.

After losing her child and many clients due to people moving, she's packing up her business and moving to Chatsworth.

Her last day was Friday.

"You're making plans. And all of a sudden it's wiped away in this tidal wave of pain," says Ferra-Trujillo.

Ferra-Trujillo plans to relocate to Earthly Body Corp's office in the Education salon. The full service salon is located on 21900 Plummer in Street in Chatsworth.

"Ferra-Trujillo can be reached for appointments at her new place at colorbyadinaft@gmail.com.

Several residents gathered Saturday for a rally and met with air quality regulators at a hearing to voice their concerns about the massive leak.

The next hearing date is scheduled for Jan. 20 at the Air District's headquarters in Diamond Bar.