TORRANCE --
Exxon Mobile Co. is offering to buy ten homes near its Torrance refinery after toxic chemicals were found in the neighborhood soil. Cancer-causing benzene and methane were detected in soil samples near the refinery, but state officials say the contamination level is very low and poses no health threat. Despite those assurances, Exxon is offering to buy ten homes in the affected area.
They're also offering price protection on nine others, meaning if the home sells for less than the market value Exxon will make up the difference.