BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- State senator Dean Florez said Kern County is putting people at risk if they approve expansion plans for a local refinery.

Florez said the expansion at Big West Refinery would lead to more hydrofluoric acid, which can be deadly.

The Department of Homeland Security said hydrofluoric acid can vaporize and spread for miles, burning eyes, skin and lungs of anyone who comes in contact.

Since 2005, Big West Refinery has reported 38 instances in which toxins were released into the air.

During a press conference Thursday morning, Florez will lay out plans to stop the expansion.