Fairfield, CT - HAZMAT - 4/12/12

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Date: 4/12/12

Time: Approx 1130

Location: 515 Commerce Drive - "5N Plus, Inc."

Units Operating: Fairfield FD, Fairfield PD, Fairfield County HAZMAT Team

Description Of Incident: Reported as a "major leak" of Gallium Chloride. Residents being advised to remain indoors with windows and doors closed. MTA not stopping at Fairfield Metro station.

Reporter: SageVigiles

MSDS for Gallium Chloride

SECTION 3: Hazards Identification Emergency Overview: Extremely destructive to the upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Material hydrolyzes in contact with moisture releasing corrosive hydrogen chloride fumes. Primary Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin, eyes Eye Contact: Dust and vapors will cause burns to the eyes and blindness. Skin Contact: Corrosive to skin. Contact can lead to redness, pain, blistering, ulceration, and scar formation. Inhalation: Inhalation of choking fumes will result in chemical burns of the respiratory tract, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Ingestion: May be harmful if swallowed. Causes burns to the gastrointestinal system. Acute Health Effects: Corrosive to skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Hydrolyzes in the presence of water to produce corrosive fumes of hydrogen chloride. Chronic Health Effects: No information available on long-term chronic effects.