Eagle Lake, TX – Rice Medical Center is advising residents that a large amount of visible white vapor may be seen around the hospital today as crews replace its bulk oxygen storage tank.
According to the medical center, oxygen remaining in the existing tank cannot be transferred to the replacement tank and must instead be safely released into the atmosphere.
The oxygen is being released slowly and under controlled conditions. Because liquid oxygen is stored at extremely cold temperatures, the process is producing a significant amount of visible white vapor.
Rice Medical Center emphasized that there is no threat or danger to the community and that the vapor should not be mistaken for smoke from a fire or another emergency.
The hospital remains open and is operating normally while the equipment replacement is completed.