3,000 Evacuated After Train Chemical Spill, Louisiana, USA

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Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 18 May 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Over three thousand people were evacuated after a train derailed in Lafayette, Louisiana, releasing approximately 8,000 to 10,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid - a toxic chemical. Authorities say two of the railroad cars leaked hydrochloric acid. Eye-witnesses say the spill formed a yellowish pool.

Everybody who lived within a mile of the derailment have been taken to a school outside the city. Authorities say they will not be able to go home for at least 48 hours. 160 people were evacuated from a nursing home.

Five people, including two railway workers were taken to hospital after the spill sent a toxic cloud over the area. The patients had skin and eye irritation, according to Lt. Craig Stansbury, Lafayette's Parish Sheriff.

Another wagon, carrying ethylene oxide was overturned, but reports indicate it did not spill. Ethylene oxide is used in agricultural products, and is also a sterilizer for medical supplies.

Hydrochloric Acid Spill Danger

In high concentrations it forms an acidic mist. Both the mist and the solution have a corrosive effect on human tissue. Hydrochloric acid can damage our respiratory organs, as well as our eyes, skin and intestines.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates and regulates hydrochloric acid as a toxin.

Hydrochloric acid used to be known as "Muriatic acid" - the term is still used, but rarely.

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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