Officials responded to a “mass casualty” following a chemical leak at the LyondellBasell Industries in La Porte, the city’s Office of Emergency Management confirmed Tuesday.
The following written content from Ninfa Saavedra
During a news conference Tuesday evening, the Harris County Fire Marshal said two people died on the scene, two others were transported to the hospital — one by LifeFlight and the other by ambulance — five people were being treated at the scene and 31 people were being reviewed for possible symptoms. All employees working in the acetyls unit have been accounted for, according to officials.
Officials said the facility experienced a chemical leak, which has since been identified as glacial acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, methanecarboxylic acid, and ethylic acid. Acetic acid is a process solvent used to produce purified terephthalic acid (PTA), which is a key intermediate for a range of applications, including polyester esters, fibers, containers, film and tapes.
Another important use for acetic acid is in the production of acetic anhydride. Acetic acid is used to produce a broad range of acetate esters; the most important of which are ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate and isopropyl acetate. These solvents find applications in coatings, inks, adhesives and cosmetics.
Acetic acid is a flammable liquid that can cause severe skin burns and serious eye damage if a person is exposed. It can also produce a hazardous vapor.
According to the National Institute of Health’s National Library of Medicine, glacial acetic acid is a clear liquid with a strong odor of vinegar. It is corrosive to metals and tissue and is used to make other chemicals, as a food additive, and in petroleum production.
As a food additive, the World Health Organization lists acetic acid as not harmful in the level used as a flavoring agent.
La Porte EMS, which described the incident as a “mass casualty” event, said Harris County Pollution Control is on the scene to conduct air monitoring.
LyondellBasell officials said the leak has stopped and there is no level of concern. Read more from Click2
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