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.
//--------------------------//
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