Friday, January 23, 2015

ST. LOUIS’ MALLINCKRODT PLANT EVACUATED AFTER TOLUENE SPILL



ST. LOUIS’ MALLINCKRODT PLANT EVACUATED AFTER TOLUENE SPILL 


Friday, January 23, 2015

ST. LOUIS, MO (AP) — Cleanup is underway after a chemical spill forced evacuation of a St. Louis chemical plant.

The Mallinckrodt plant was evacuated Thursday night after about 20 gallons of Toluene spilled inside the plant. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the most common use of toluene is as a mixture added to gasoline to improve octane ratings. It is also used to produce benzene and as a solvent in paints, coatings, synthetic fragrances, adhesives, inks, and cleaning agents.

The EPA says exposure can cause headaches and nausea.

Authorities say the spill happened during a process in which the chemical is mixed with water. City firefighters assisted Mallinckrodt's own fire department.

Mallinckrodt says no one was hurt and there was no risk to the public.