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Vizag Gas Leak

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May 08, 2020

Why in news?

A gas leak from the electronics giant LG’s styrene plant has claimed lives in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh.

What is styrene?

  • Styrene is a flammable liquid.
  • It is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fibreglass, rubber, and latex.
  • It is also found in vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, and in natural foods like fruits and vegetables.

What happens when exposed to styrene?

  • Short-term exposure to the substance can result in respiratory problems, and irritation in the eyes and mucous membrane.
  • It will also cause gastrointestinal issues.
  • Long-term exposure could drastically affect the central nervous system and lead to related problems like peripheral neuropathy.
  • It could also lead to cancer and depression in some cases.

What are the symptoms?

  • Symptoms include headache, hearing loss, fatigue, weakness, difficulty in concentrating etc.
  • Animal studies have reported effects on the CNS, liver, kidney, and eye and nasal irritation from inhalation exposure to styrene.

How bad is the situation in Vizag?

  • It is unclear whether the deaths are due to direct exposure to styrene gas or one of its by-products.
  • Vizag Police has maintained that the gas is “non-poisonous” and is only fatal when exposed for longer durations.
  • However, hundreds of people were admitted to hospitals.
  • The cases are high as the gas leak was detected early in the morning.
  • Several crucial hours have been lost till safety precautions were taken, and the gas was allowed to spread while people were fast asleep.
  • Officials immediately began making announcements over speakers.
  • But many have already become unconscious as police had to break open doors to shift people.

What caused the leak?

  • LG Polymers said that stagnation and changes in temperature inside the storage tank could have resulted in auto polymerization.
  • This in turn resulted in vapourisation.
  • There was 1,800 tonnes of styrene stored at the plant during the leak.

Is the leak under control?

  • The leak has been plugged.
  • NDRF teams moved into the five affected villages and have started opening the houses to find out if anyone was stranded inside.
  • Officials said that the Covid-19 preparedness helped a lot as dozens of ambulances with oxygen cylinders and ventilators were readily available.
  • The spread of the gas depends on wind speeds.
  • So far it is estimated that areas within a five kilometre radius have been affected.

 

Source: The Indian Express

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