Sulfuric Acid Compound Spills at Plastics Coating Plant, Sends at Least 40 For Treatment

Bowliing Green, KY, United States 9/13/2000- 11:00 AM

The spill at the S&R of Kentucky plant happened just before 11 a.m EDT. Sulfuric acid mixed with an amnionic shield conditioner was released, said Ray Bowman of the state Emergency Management office in Frankfort.

At least 40 workers at a plastic coating plant were treated and released from local hospitals Tuesday following the spill that forced the evacuation of the facility.

Doris Thomas, Vice President of Commonwealth Health Corporation, said that 40 workers were taken to The Medical Center at Bowling Green after experiencing respiratory problems and other effects of the fumes. All of the workers have been released, said Thomas.

A decontamination facility was established and workers were being hosed down and contaminated clothing replaced where necessary, Bowman said.

A state fire marshal was investigating along with officials from Emergency Management and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

While clean-up is still underway at the plant, officials said second and third shifts have been canceled.

Nearby Warren East high and middle schools were not evacuated, officials said.

http://chemsafety.gov/circ/post.cfm?incident_id=4952

-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), September 13, 2000