CHEMICAL TANK EXPLOSION

TOLEDO, OCTOBER 21 /SRNA/ – A chemical tank exploded today in Toledo, Ohio, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents amid fears of toxic fumes. A police officer was injured after arriving at the scene.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said there were concerns that the chemical was still leaking from the tank and that the risk of another explosion could persist for up to 12 hours after the incident.

He said the cause of the explosion was not yet known.

According to Tank Transport, the tank contained glycidyl methacrylate, described as "an industrial chemical used to improve the quality of certain plastics and paints."

Kapszukiewicz said the chemical had been in liquid form inside the tank but turns into a gas when exposed to air.

People who come into contact with glycidyl methacrylate may experience burning sensations in the eyes, nose, mouth and on the skin.

Excessive exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.