Toledo Fire & Rescue issued an evacuation order for people within a one-mile radius of 1266 Progress Ave. due to a hazardous material release at MC Tank Transport Inc. Tuesday night. TFRD added a three-mile shelter in place order around early Wednesday morning.
The fire department said everyone else in the surrounding area to shelter in place by remaining indoors, closing all windows and doors, and turning off ventilation systems that bring in outside air.
City officials said Wednesday afternoon that they will let the reaction complete and the chemical release could continue for several more hours. As long as the venting continues, first responders aren’t able to get closer to the site. The mayor’s 1 p.m. briefing is available to watch in full.
The chemical in question was glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics, paints and coatings perform better, according to a statement from MC Tank Transport. You can read the full statement from the company at the end of this article.
The chemical is considered an irritant and can result cause trouble breathing, watery eyes, and a noticeable taste/smell. It is also a long-term carcinogen. Learn more about the public health advisory at the link here.
