Saturday, March 21, 2015

KRONOS PLANT’S 5 TON CHEMICAL LEAK CREATES HYDROCHLORIC ACID CLOUD OVER VARENNES, QUEBEC. LEAKED TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE MIXED WITH SNOW PRODUCED CLOUD OF HYDROCHLORIC ACID. YIKES!








MARCH 21, 2015

MONTREAL, CANADA

Officials have confirmed the chemical leak that released a potentially toxic substance into the air on the South Shore, has been contained.

Kronos chemical-producing plant in Varennes announced late Saturday afternoon that the situation was stable after factory employees managed to transfer most of the gas to a secure area.

At around 10 a.m., an equipment failure at the plant created a large white cloud and foul odour over sections of the municipality.

More than five tonnes of titanium tetrachloride spilled out of the factory, which produces titanium pigment for industrial paint.

The chemical is used in the production of titanium metal, titanium dioxide, and titanium pigments.

It is highly irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans.
Fifteen homes and three factories were immediately evacuated in the area following the leak.

Residents who live nearby were told to stay inside their homes as a precaution.
In a press release, Quebec’s Environment Department stated that “the necessary measures are in place to ensure the safety of people and the protection of the environment.”

Highway 132 remains closed in both directions between Montée Picardie and Montée de la Baronnie.

Five people were transported to hospital with minor side effects.

Officals said there is no health risk to those living more than 400 metres from the plant, despite odours being detected as far as Verchères and Repentigny.

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Health and security officials believe they have found a way to stop the leak of titanium tetrachloride at the Kronos chemical plant in Varennes, just outside of Montreal.

Kronos produces pigments and chemicals at its Varennes, Que., facility. (Radio-Canada)

Varennes fire chief Alain Pharland said employees inside the plant have diverted the contents of a leaking reservoir to another container.

Officials first learned of the leak at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday.

Homes within 400 metres of the plant on Marie-Victorin Road have been evacuated, and a confinement order is in effect for people living between Côte Bissonnette Road and Montée de la Baronnie.

Highway 132 is also closed in both directions 
between Montée Picardie and Montée de la Baronnie.
Le nuage émanant de l'usine #Kronos de Varennes vu depuis Repentigny Photo TC Media Stéphane Grégoire pic.twitter.com/6iVPhWR9RW
— @hebdorivenord


Authorities checking air quality

Kronos makes pigments and other chemicals at its Varennes plant. Titanium tetrachloride is often used to make titanium dioxide, a main ingredient in paint.
Authorities said the leak was caused by a break in equipment. 

An official with Quebec's Urgence-Environnement is on the scene and the TAGA mobile lab is taking air samples.

Titanium tetrachloride, when mixed with water, turns into hydrochloric acid. Because of the water content of Saturday's snow, a white cloud of the latter substance formed over Kronos. 

People living outside the affected zone may detect a particular smell in the air.
The environment ministry issued a statement Saturday saying that it is taking all measures and precautions necessary to ensure the safety of the population.

What are hydrochloric acid and titanium tetrachloride?

People's reactions to hydrochloric acid depends on the concentration they're exposed to, Dr. Eric Lévesque said at a news conference Saturday afternoon.
He said the likelihood of anyone experiencing any major symptoms is slim because people were removed from the area early on.

According to the American Environmental Protection Agency, hydrochloric acid is "corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure may cause eye, nose and respiratory tract irritation and inflammation and pulmonary edema in humans."

Titanium tetrachloride, according to the EPA, is used in a variety of products, including in the production of titanium metal, titanium dioxide, and titanium pigments.

People exposed to the compound may experience difficulty breathing or a burning sensation in the eyes or on the skin.

The EPA says it has a "penetrating acid odour," and that it has not been linked to cancer.
Source: www.cbc.ca