Ohio Chemical Leak: 3,000 Gallons of Nitric Acid Released, Forcing Evacuations

Chemical Leak at Austin Powder Plant

• ⚠️ A significant chemical leak occurred at the Austin Powder manufacturing plant in Vinton County, Ohio.
• ⚡ Approximately 3,000 gallons of nitric acid were released from a tank, creating nitric oxide vapor in the air.
• 🗓️ The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. local time, resulting in a visible plume of yellow smoke.

Evacuations and Safety Measures

• 📍 An initial 3-mile radius around the plant was evacuated.
• 🏘️ The evacuation order was later extended to the entire village of Zeleski, impacting about 750 residents.
• 🤝 The Red Cross and United Way are providing shelter for displaced residents until the area is deemed safe.

Containment and Cleanup Efforts

• 💧 Liquid nitric acid on the ground is expected to be contained using booms, pads, and potentially dikes and trenches.
• 💨 Nitric oxide, being a vapor, will dissipate into the air on its own.
• 🤝 Ohio EMA, Vinton County EMA, and Ohio EPA will collaborate on the cleanup of the leaked material.

Health Impacts and Advisories

• 😷 Symptoms of exposure to nitric acid include irritation to the eyes, skin, and throat.
• 😴 Drowsiness or unconsciousness can also occur with exposure.
• 🩺 Health officials advise washing exposed areas and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist.