LyondellBasell said the main substance in a leak at its La Porte plant on Tuesday night that killed two people and hospitalized 30 was acetic acid.
Glacial acetic acid is also known as acetic acid, methane carboxylic acid, and ethanol, according to a safety data sheet on the company’s website.
Acetic acid is a flammable liquid that can cause severe skin burns and severe eye damage if a person is exposed to it.It can also produce dangerous vapors.
According to the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health, glacial acetic acid is a clear liquid with a strong vinegar smell.It is corrosive to metals and tissues and is used in the manufacture of other chemicals, as a food additive and in oil production.
As a food additive, the World Health Organization lists acetic acid as a harmless flavoring agent.
The National Library of Medicine also notes that glacial acetic acid is widely used as an alternative to cosmetic chemical peels because “it’s easily…available and affordable.” The group warns that it could be harmful to people’s Causes chemical burns to the face.
According to LyondellBasell, acetic acid is an important intermediate chemical used in the manufacture of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), purified terephthalic acid (PTA), acetic anhydride, monochloroacetic acid (MCA) and acetate.
The company lists the concentrations of glacial acetic acid in its facilities as prohibited for cosmetic, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or any application involving human consumption.
In the LyondellBasell Safety Data Sheet, first aid measures include removing the exposed person from the hazard area and exposing them to fresh air.Artificial respiration and oxygen may be required.In case of light skin contact, remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly.In case of eye contact, flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.In all cases of exposure, immediate medical attention is required.
In a news conference late Tuesday, the following other substances were listed as being implicated in the fatal incident:
Reports from the scene of the La Porte accident indicated the spill was contained and no evacuation or shelter-in-place orders were issued.
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