Toxin Leak At Lam Chabang Port Causes Panic

[webfact]

Toxin Leak at Lam Chabang Port Causes Panic

UPDATE : 26 November 2009

A chemical toxin was leaked at the Lam Chabang Port last night, the area has been cordoned off. Authorities are unable to confirm what type of chemical toxin it is that has been leaked.

Employees and workers working in the area have been evacuated. 8 individuals, including passersby, have been submitted to the hospital to be treated for respiratory symptoms.

-- Tan Network 2009/11/26

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[dom samui]

tOxin leak ???

[BanTamo]

Its the 'toxin' leak that has spread all the way to London, Dubai, and Phnom Penh that needs moppin' up...

[doggie888888]

Oh this is nothing...just wait till they get the nuclear plant going

[jayjayjayjay]

Its the 'toxin' leak that has spread all the way to London, Dubai, and Phnom Penh that needs moppin' up...

no that's a takki leak now. Got to move with the Times (0nline)

[h90]

Oh this is nothing...just wait till they get the nuclear plant going

what is wrong with twisting the wires together or connect BEFORE the fuses?

Hope they also rent some Russians to run the plant.....

[pattayarag]

Pattaya's just down the coast.....

[Ricardo]

Pattaya's just down the coast.....

... so perhaps the toxins were leaking from that direction, towards the port, instead ?

[jamesjdaly]

Yep....................warming up for the nuclear power plant!!

[slapout]

They can not determine what chemical (toxin) is leaking, do they know the source of the leak? Go ask the employees at plant/vessel from whence the leak originates and they will give you info. How can you treat victims if you do not know what they were exposed to.

[Rimmer]

TOXIC LEAK AT LAEM CHABANG PORT FORCES MASS EVACUATION

A toxic leak occurred at the Laem Chabang Port near Pattaya in the early hours of Thursday morning. The leak caused a toxic cloud to form at which time authorities evacuated the surrounding residents.

Laem Chabang, the 26th of November 2009 [PDN]: Officers from the Sriracha Sawang Prateep Foundation received a report at 00:45am, that a chemical leak had occurred at the Laem Chabang port with several workers reporting breathing troubles. When they arrived a thick white chemical cloud was evident around the area of the spill, and several workers were in need of treatment.

Nine of the employees were sent to various hospitals in the area after having breathed a substantial quantity of the unknown toxic gas. Officials also decided that an evacuation of approximately 200 people in the local area was going to be necessary as the toxic cloud had now spread over 3 kilometers of adjacent land, putting the resident's lives at risk.

Residents of the area were directed to a school not far from the area were they could rest and breath fresh air. Those residents without transportation were taken to and from the school by the Sriracha Sawang Prateep Foundation vehicles. A team of doctors from the nearby Ao Udom Hospital was sent to the school to assess whether any of the residents required treatment or hospitalisation.

Mr Chalermkiat, administrator of the Laem Chabang Port declared that the toxin that had been spilt was of the chemical group 5.1 (a white powder). It is used to kill a germ known as Bromine. Considered as extremely dangerous if inhaled in large quantities, the chemical eats away at body tissue and could potentially damage a person's lungs and throat. If the chemical comes into contact with the skin it will cause a burning sensation and will leave burn marks. If enough of the chemical is inhaled or touched it has the potential to be fatal.

Authorities are still unhappy at the reports given to them by the company and further investigations will take place in order to discover the full circumstances surrounding the spill.

http://pattayadailynews.com

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[lopburi3]

If the spill was bromine (which is not a germ but a chemical) it could have long term effects per CDC site http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/bromine/basics/facts.asp

Long-term health effects of exposure to bromine

Survivors of serious poisoning caused by inhaling (breathing in) bromine may have long-term lung problems.

People who survive serious bromine poisoning may also have long-term effects from damage done by what is called systemic poisoning, for example, kidney or brain damage from low blood pressure.

[Moonrakers]

Pattaya's just down the coast.....

It could do with cleaning up a bit, maybe the toxin will kill off a few, errrrm, amoeba's.

[webfact]

Situation under control after chemical leakage at Laem Chabang port

Officials have contained the chemical leakage at the Laem Chabang Deep Seaport, which injured at least nine workers and led to evacuations of nearby residents early Thursday.

The leakage happened at about 45 minutes after midnight at the B3 port, rescue officials of the Sawang Prateep Sriracha said.

About 200 families of nearby residents were evacuated because the leakage caused stench in the area.

Nine workers were rushed to nearby hospitals after they inhaled the gas caused by the leakage.

Initially, Chalermkiart Salakkham, director of the port, said the chemical was bromine but later he told Thai PBS that the chemical was Sodium persulfate.

He said the chemical was leaked because its aluminum container a container cracked following an impact.

Port officials said workers neutralized the leaked chemical with a type of chemical and the 200 families were allowed to return to their homes at 3:30 am.

-- The Nation 2009/11/26

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[lopburi3]

That would be better. But not sure how it would become a gas cloud.

[TPI]

They can not determine what chemical (toxin) is leaking, do they know the source of the leak? Go ask the employees at plant/vessel from whence the leak originates and they will give you info. How can you treat victims if you do not know what they were exposed to.

The ship and the dock should have a "material data safety sheet" that lists its harmful effects and who to contact in an emergency?? Ahhh! Thai efficiency!

[geriatrickid]

They can not determine what chemical (toxin) is leaking, do they know the source of the leak? Go ask the employees at plant/vessel from whence the leak originates and they will give you info. How can you treat victims if you do not know what they were exposed to.

The ship and the dock should have a "material data safety sheet" that lists its harmful effects and who to contact in an emergency?? Ahhh! Thai efficiency!

Isn't the identification and labeling a cargo under the international cargo handling treaties of which Thailand is a signatory? It would be interesting to know where the cargo originated? China? South Korea? The South Koreans are pretty good at compliance. If it wasn't labeled properly, was it even a legal cargo in the sense that it should have been loaded/unloaded in that area? Alot of questions that will never be answered, I guess.

[webfact]

LAEM CHABANG PORT

Surrounding area declared disaster-hit zone

By The Nation

Published on November 27, 2009

Surrounding area declared disaster-hit zone

Firefighters try to contain the chemical leakage at the Laem Chabang Port on Wednesday.

Leakage claims one life as families evacuated; mobile medical unit dispatched to neighbouring community as 191 locals queue up for treatment for exposure

Laem Chabang Port and neighbouring areas have now been declared disaster zones after the leakage of sodium persulfate chemical. Dozens of people have already been admitted into hospital and more than 200 families have been forced to evacuate the area.

"We issued this declaration to control the situation and facilitate assistance," Chon Buri Governor Seni Jittakasem said yesterday.

The chemical, which severely irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory system, leaked from a container at the Laem Chabang Port at around 3pm on Wednesday. At least 41 people, including port officials, were in hospital with symptoms like nausea and chest pains after exposure to the chemical.

As of yesterday evening, the disฌaster had already claimed one life - 65yearold Sunee Phupetch died at the Ao Udom Hospital. Officials are conducting an autopsy on her body, and the results should be released in the next two days. The woman, who lived near the port, was said to have had some underlying medical condiฌtions and was taken to hospital when she started vomiting.

A mobile medical unit was also dispatched to the Laem Chabang community yesterday to monitor conditions.

Some 191 local residents immediately queued up for a checkup, with 110 complaining of eye irritation and sore throat. They were all prescribed medication and sent home.

Later yesterday, at a press conference, Laem Chabang Port director Chalermkiat Salakkham sought to calm public fears about the leakage.

"Everything is under control now," he said. "Tests on air and water quality confirm that the port is now safe."

Korbchai Boonrana, the head of disaster prevention and mitigation at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, also insisted that the leakage would not cause serious damage.

"But of course, it has caused panic," he said.

At dawn yesterday, more than 200 families living near the Laem Chabang Port were evacuated after they smelled a chemical odour and started feeling nauseous.

Later the same day, 11 students and two teachers at the Laem Chabang School of Engineering were also sent to a local hospital. More hospitalisations were reported.

Disease Control Department deputy director general Dr Praphon Tangsrikiatkul explained that people could avoid symptoms from getting severe by taking immediate action.

"Wash the affected skin with a lot of water. If clothes are tainted, remove them immediately," Praphon said. "If the eyes are affected, wash them right away with clean water and rush to see the doctor."

As of press time, just a handful of those exposed to the chemical were still in hospital.

Authorities confirmed that the death of Nares Kaewruen, an employee of Laem Chabang Khakhongkao Company, was not related to the chemical leakage. They said he had died of epilepsy.

Meanwhile, Port Authority of Thailand acting director Sunida Sakulrattana tried to explain that the leakage had been caused by an accident.

However, Labour Protection and Welfare Department director general Amporn Nitisiri said the department would conduct an investigation to see if any company should be held responsible.

"If yes, we will take action," Amporn promised.

-- The Nation 2009/11/27

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[Asa]

Pattaya's just down the coast.....

... so perhaps the toxins were leaking from that direction, towards the port, instead ?

FYI, During the cool season, wind is from northeast, and east. When local winds cannot resist, Bang Lamung - Wong Amart - Pattaya- Koh Larn is down wind from Laem Chabang.

[Moonrakers]

Pattaya's just down the coast.....

... so perhaps the toxins were leaking from that direction, towards the port, instead ?

FYI, During the cool season, wind is from northeast, and east. When local winds cannot resist, Bang Lamung - Wong Amart - Pattaya- Koh Larn is down wind from Laem Chabang.

Whoosh.

[Artisi]

Lets be thankful it wasn't a nuclear waste spill. However we can look forward to this once the nuclear power plant in up and running, that's of course if it get finished after all the cream is seperated from the budget.

[Bagwan]

Situation under control after chemical leakage at Laem Chabang port

Officials have contained the chemical leakage at the Laem Chabang Deep Seaport, which injured at least nine workers and led to evacuations of nearby residents early Thursday.

The leakage happened at about 45 minutes after midnight at the B3 port, rescue officials of the Sawang Prateep Sriracha said.

About 200 families of nearby residents were evacuated because the leakage caused stench in the area.

Nine workers were rushed to nearby hospitals after they inhaled the gas caused by the leakage.

Initially, Chalermkiart Salakkham, director of the port, said the chemical was bromine but later he told Thai PBS that the chemical was Sodium persulfate.

He said the chemical was leaked because its aluminum container a container cracked following an impact.

Port officials said workers neutralized the leaked chemical with a type of chemical and the 200 families were allowed to return to their homes at 3:30 am.

-- The Nation 2009/11/26

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Conditions/substances to avoid mixing persulfates with are: moisture, heat, flame, ignition sources, shock, friction, reducing agents, organic material, sodium peroxide, water, aluminium and powdered metals. (From Wikipedia)

Somebody has some explaining to do.

[webfact]

Negligence is cited in chemical spill

By THE NATION

Chon Buri

Published on November 28, 2009

An ongoing investigation suggests negligence might have caused a major chemical leakage at Laem Chabang Port on Wednesday.

The leakage of sodium persulfate affected the health of many people. Dozens, including port officials, were hospitalised.

The incident is also being blamed for the death of a woman who lived near the port.

"The chemical must be kept at about 25 Celsius," deputy national police commissioner General Jongrak Juthanont said yesterday.

"However, it was left in a place where the temperature soared to 30 degrees."

He said such negligent behaviour carried a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of between Bt2,000 and Bt3,000.

Jongrak said the investigation was now focusing on the role of Eastern Sea Terminal Laem Chabang (Esco) and Laem Chabang Port.

Esco operates the B3 zone of the port, where the leakage took place.

"We are gathering evidence," Jongrak said.

Locals complained that the port had failed to alert the neighbouring community right after the leakage took place.

"Why did the port take so long to inform us?" said Nipa Huadheng, who lives in the Laem Chabang Kao community.

Located close to the port, all 1,887 residents there are feeling the pinch.

Hundreds have refused to return home, so as to avoid the effects of the sodium persulfate. Last night, they chose to remain at a public pavilion prepared by the Laem Chabang municipality.

Following the leakage, more than 70 people needed treatment for symptoms related to the chemical.

Many of them had nausea, vomiting and rashes. Some had fainted.

Seven remained hospitalised as of press time yesterday.

At least one fatality has been linked to the incident, although further examination is needed to determine the exact cause of the woman's death.

The deceased lived in the Laem Chabang Kao community. She was among the people evacuated in response to the leakage.

"The affected people will get help and compensation," Laem Chabang mayor Boonlert Nomsilp said yesterday.

The Port Authority of Thailand has promised to pay Bt10,000 to the dead woman's family. It has also offered to provide Bt5,000 to each affected family.

"Even though the exact cause of the death and the chemical leakage have not yet been identified, we have decided to give assistance to the affected people first," said acting director Sunida Sakulrattana.

She added that the authority would later seek compensation from the parties held responsible for the chemical leakage.

The Port Authority of Thailand, a state enterprise, owns Laem Chabang Port.

Each affected family will also receive financial assistance of more than Bt3,000 from other sources.

Laem Chabang Port and its neighbouring areas remain disaster zones.

"The disaster-zone declaration will be removed only when relevant authorities confirm that the quality of the air, water and environment here are within safe limits," Boonlert said.

-- The Nation 2009/11/28

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[BSJ]

'The Nation' post: "However, it was left in a place where the temperature soared to 30 degrees."

He said such negligent behaviour carried a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of between Bt2,000 and Bt3,000.

The monetary sum seems insignificant (out of proportion) in relation to the jail time imposed!