Austin Powder Plant Chemical Leak Investigation
The toxic exposure lawyers at The Lyon Firm are investigating a recently reported chemical leak at the Austin Powder Plant near McArthur, Ohio. According to early reports, the nitric oxide leak produced a large plume of yellow-orange gas, prompting a plant evacuation.
According to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the chemical leak occurred after a “contaminant” entered a 5,000-gallon tank containing nitric acid, creating a chemical reaction that released nitrogen oxide gas. An investigation is ongoing, and more details should emerge in the coming days.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the Austin Powder chemical leak incident as an employee, emergency responder, or nearby resident, it is important to understand the risks and to seek medical attention. Our firm has filed numerous occupational toxic exposure lawsuits on behalf of plaintiffs in Ohio and nationwide. Contact our attorneys to discuss taking legal action following any toxic chemical leak that results in serious injuries.
What happened at the Austin Powder Plant?
On June 11, a reported chemical leak at Austin Powder, a Vinton County, Ohio, explosives manufacturer, prompted an immediate evacuation. The evacuation order has been lifted, and the Ohio Emergency Protection Agency is monitoring the aftermath of the incident.
An orange gas plume was seen outside the Austin Powder Plant on the morning of June 11 after the acid had allegedly leaked from the tank and became a visible gas. The Ohio EPA said on June 12 that it’s still unclear how much gas was released. Nitrogen oxide gas is formed when nitric acid makes contact with oxygen molecules. The Ohio EPA said there are “numerous health effects” to consider involving significant exposure to nitric acid.
Austin Powder is an explosives manufacturer headquartered in Cleveland and has operations around the world. The chemical leak occurred at the Austin Powder Red Diamond manufacturing facility at 32000 Powder Plant Road near McArthur. The plant makes explosives for mining and construction outfits.
Officials initially evacuated a 3-mile radius around the spill, which included the village of Zaleski in Vinton County. The evacuation order was lifted in the afternoon once air monitoring determined the nitrogen oxide gas had fallen to safe levels.
What is Nitric Acid?
Nitric acid is a strong corrosive and strong oxidizer often used to increase the flammability and ignitability of materials. Nitric acid can be hazardous if leaked or used improperly. The chemical can be toxic when inhaled and is corrosive to metals and tissue, according to the National Library of Medicine. “Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations may result in adverse health effects,” the institute states.
Contact our legal team for a free case review and consultation following any industrial accident or chemical leak that results in serious injury. Industrial negligence can result in serious damage to the environment and the personal health of employees and nearby residents. Call now to speak with our lawyers.