PPG Industries confirms chem leak at Texas plant

25 August 2008 17:25  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--PPG Industries confirmed news reports on Monday of a chemical leak at its La Porte plant in Texas.

PPG said hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ethylchloroformate (ECF) vapours began leaking from a railcar at the facility at about 3:00 am Houston time (8:00 GMT).

The company said it connected the railcar to a thermal oxidiser, which it said destroys ECF vapour. 

ECF is a compound used in the production of antibiotics and crop-protection chemicals, PPG said, adding that its fumes can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.

PPG said local authorities closed a street adjacent to the plant and also issued a shelter-in-place directive to residents in the area.

The company said it expects the impact in the region to be minimal.

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By: William Lemos
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