Chemical leak in Russia sickens more than 100 people

[News_Editor]

Chemical leak in Russia sickens more than 100 people

2011-09-02 03:32:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

MOSCOW (BNO NEWS) -- A toxic chemical on Thursday leaked from a train car at a train station in the city of Chelyabinsk in Russia's Ural mountains, affecting more than 100 people, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.

The bromine leak was discovered at around 2.20 a.m. Moscow time in one of the trains at the Chelyabinsk train station. According to authorities, the car was promptly removed from the station to a special site and cordoned off.

"According to some data, hospitals in Chelyabinsk have provided assistance to 143 patients who complained they were unwell after the incident at the Chelyabinsk station, and 38 people were hospitalized," the city's health administration told Itar-Tass.

The health department said most people complained of cough, pain in the eyes, watery eyes, and allergic reactions. Environmental monitoring was being conducted at the station and surrounding areas, but no dangerous concentrations were identified.

"According to latest information the unpleasant odor that may be felt in areas close to the train station is hardly noticeable. There is no threat to life and health," the city authorities said.

Serious exposure to bromine may affect the nervous system and cause long-term lung problems.

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