PUBLISHED: 22 Sep 2024 at 16:31
RAYONG: Residents living downwind of a plastic precursor plant in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate have been urged to avoid toxic smoke following a fire caused by a vinyl chloride gas leak.
On Sunday, the plant issued a warning asking local inhabitants to remain indoors or wear masks to protect against smoke inhalation.
The company reported detecting the leak of a precursor used in polyvinyl chloride production at approximately 12:25 PM Sunday at its facility on I-1 Road.
The incident resulted in a fire and significant smoke emissions; however, the company managed to control the situation without any reported injuries.
In an official statement, the company expressed regret for the incident and reassured the community of its commitment to restoring normal operations promptly.
The fire occurred at the plant’s VCM1 facility, with the hazardous vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) gas being the primary concern. Vinyl chloride is known to be carcinogenic and is utilized in plastic production.
Authorities advised residents within a one to two-kilometer radius of the plant to evacuate. The fire was brought under control, and the leak was secured by 3:10 PM, with officials assisting any potentially affected individuals.
Environmental health expert Sonthi Kotchawat recommended evacuating locals from within a three-kilometer radius, highlighting the carcinogenic nature of the smoke.
Sonthi cautioned that vinyl chloride gas poses explosion risks when mixed with air, noting its harmful effects on nervous and vascular systems, skin, bones, liver, balance, and vision.
Later updates confirmed that the emergency situation at the facility had been lifted after extinguishing the fire at approximately 3:05 PM. The company stated that air quality in the area had returned to normal and committed to ongoing air quality monitoring in about 40 nearby communities.
