(Photo by Jeremy Wadsworth/The Blade via AP) Tags: [photography, chemical incident]
U.S. authorities have ordered an evacuation in Toledo, Ohio, following a hazardous chemical leak, with reports of more than 30 people receiving medical treatment.Tags: [Ohio, chemical leak, evacuation, health]
International news agencies reported a hazardous chemical leak from a storage tank in Toledo, Ohio, starting late Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 local time. Authorities ordered hundreds of nearby residents to evacuate or remain indoors with all doors and windows tightly closed.Tags: [chemical leak, Toledo, evacuation, local authorities]
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that the leak occurred due to an "error during chemical transfer" from a 5,500-gallon tank owned by MC Tank Transport.Tags: [Ohio EPA, chemical spill, MC Tank Transport]
The leaked substance was glycidyl methacrylate, a highly flammable chemical used in plastics and paint industries. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz warned on Wednesday (21 Oct) that the tank could still pose an explosion risk within 12 hours after the incident.Tags: [glycidyl methacrylate, flammable chemical, Toledo mayor, explosion risk]
Authorities designated a one-mile radius around the site as an evacuation zone, and a three-mile radius as a shelter-in-place zone. Residents were advised to close all doors, windows, and shut off ventilation systems that bring outside air indoors.Tags: [evacuation zone, shelter-in-place, safety measures]
Meanwhile, two school districts in Toledo announced closures following the chemical tank leak.Tags: [school closures, Toledo, chemical leak impact]
The ProMedica health network reported about 30 patients treated for symptoms likely related to chemical exposure, most of whom have been treated and discharged.Tags: [ProMedica, medical treatment, chemical exposure]
Mayor Kapszukiewicz stated that one deputy sheriff was injured around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday while responding to the incident, though the exact condition was not disclosed.Tags: [injured deputy, emergency response, Toledo]
Glycidyl methacrylate exposure may cause eye irritation or a strange taste in the throat, but short-term exposure is not expected to cause chronic health issues for the general public, except for those with pre-existing conditions who should exercise caution. Long-term exposure carries a cancer risk.Tags: [chemical effects, health risks, glycidyl methacrylate]
However, Mayor Kapszukiewicz expressed confidence that the incident would not have long-term public health impacts and emphasized, "People can be concerned but should not panic because there is no reason to panic."Tags: [public reassurance, health impact, mayor statement]
Follow international news:Tags: [news, international]https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreignTags: [news source, website]
Source:Tags: [source]cnnTags: [news agency]