SoCalGas understated health risk of massive natural gas leak, data shows

California gas company's own samples from Porter Ranch community contained at least twice the amount of benzene that air regulators consider normal

The utility whose leaking natural gas well has driven thousands of Los Angeles residents from their homes has publicly understated the number of times airborne levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene have spiked over the past three months, the company's own data suggests.

In trying to reassure the public that there is no long-term health risk from the leak, Southern California Gas Co has said in news releases and FAQs on its website that since the crisis began, just two air samples briefly showed elevated concentrations of the substance.