Toledo Chemical Leak: What Residents Should Know About Glycidyl Methacrylate Exposure as Evacuation Zone Shrinks

TOLEDO, Ohio, Oct. 22 (TodayViralUSA) — Residents near a chemical terminal in north Toledo remain under a half-mile evacuation order after a tank leaked glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical that can irritate the eyes, skin and airways, prompting health officials to issue guidance for anyone who feels unwell.

Toledo Fire & Rescue was called to the MC Tank Terminal at 1266 Progress Ave. late Tuesday, Oct. 20, after the chemical began escaping from a roughly 5,500-gallon intermodal tank, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA said the release followed an error during a transfer of the material.

Orders eased, but not lifted

The city first ordered everyone within a mile to evacuate and, early Wednesday, told people within three miles to shelter in place. Firefighters could not contain the release, and officials decided the safest course was to let a reaction inside the compromised tank run its course, the EPA said.

At about 5 p.m. Wednesday the city lifted the shelter-in-place order and shrank the evacuation zone to a half-mile around the site. Officials reported one known injury, a sheriff’s deputy who went to the hospital to be checked and whose condition was described as not serious, WTVG reported. Toledo Public Schools and Washington Local Schools canceled classes Wednesday.

Health effects and what to do

The city says glycidyl methacrylate can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin, and that overexposure can bring headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. WTVG noted it is also considered a long-term carcinogen.

Officials advise people with mild irritation to shower or rinse the affected area and contact a medical professional. Anyone with trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or confusion should go to an emergency room or call 911. The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department can be reached at 419-213-4100.

The chemical has a strong odor, so people will likely smell it before it reaches hazardous levels, the EPA said. Anyone outside the zone who notices an unusual smell is advised to stay indoors, close windows and doors and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air.

Air monitoring continues

The EPA is running roving air monitors around the evacuation perimeter, collecting samples inside the zone and plans to deploy its mobile air-monitoring laboratory later this week. The agency said it would post data as results become available.