UPDATE:
August 31, 2008
Like I have said, breaking news is always interesting. Note that no one died please because of this chemical incident.
http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/455649.html
“FBI: No deaths in East St. Louis chemical plant spill; 8 injured”
From staff and wire reports
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “EAST ST. LOUIS — An FBI spokesman said the chemical release at the Ro-Corp. plan caused no deaths, countering a statement earlier Sunday, by East St. Louis City Manager Robert Betts, who said two people may have died.
FBI Spokesman Price McCarty said a total of eight people, all Ro-Corp. plant workers, were injured. They remained hospitalized Sunday, he said.”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The incident began when a chemical spilled at the Ro-Corp. plant. The amount of the spill was less than would fill a bucket, authorities said.
East St. Louis Mayor Alvin Parks said it has not been confirmed what chemical is involved, only that it was a liquid and not a white power as earlier reported. He said there is no widespread contamination or risk to the community.
Three of the men climbed inside a red pickup and drove to St. Anthony’s Medical Center in south St. Louis County. Three others went to SSM DePaul Health Center in north St. Louis County. Another went to a hospital in Belleville, Ill., first, Silvernail said, then to Barnes-Jewish Hospital. It wasn’t immedately known where any others may have sought treatment.
Nitroaniline is commonly used in the synthesis of dyes, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals and gasoline, in gum inhibitors, poultry medicines, and as a corrosion inhibitor. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Web site says it can cause, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, respiratory arrest and other symptoms and ailments.”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Betts said the FBI would be investigating due to the nature of the exposure. He said it wasn’t certain that the employees had permission to be at the company on a Saturday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also is involved in the investitation.”
Whoooo.
Somebody’s Safety Coordinator is going to get his hands spanked over this.