For all the latest Explained News, download Indian Express App. It is also inflammable. However, hundreds of people including many children were admitted to hospitals. A gas leak, reminiscent of the 1984 Bhopal tragedy, has claimed at least 11 lives and affected thousands of residents in five villages in Visakhapatnam … It is widely used to make plastics and rubber. Visakhapatnam, May 7 The leakage of Styrene from LG Polymers' plant here in the wee hours of Thursday has brought focus on the nature of the gas and its effects. Styrene gas also impacts the lungs and reduces the oxygen inhaling capacity, which may result in suffocation in some victims. Environmentalists have advised everyone living in close proximity to the LG Polymers factory in Vishakhapatnam, where a styrene gas leak killed 11 … Styrene is 3.6 times heavier than air and rapidly settle down, not spread at height more than 3 ft, but in nearby village and area, people fell which walking, animals died when standing. As per the National Disaster Response Force(NDRF), the death toll was 11, an… By exposure to gas, 11 died and hundreds are hospitalized. For Prelims and Mains: Leaked gas, effects and the reasons for leakage. The source of the leak was a styrene plant owned by South Korean … A person who has inhaled styrene gas needs immediate medical help. Sudden and short-term exposure to styrene gas causes damage to mucous membranes, irritation in eyes and some adverse gastrointestinal effects. Vizag gas leak: How acute exposure to Styrene gas harms human body in the short and long term Some of the long term effects include headaches, depression, fatigue and weakness, hearing loss, balance and concentration problems, cancer. Vizag Gas Leak: What Is Styrene Gas? Styrene gas leaked at the LG Chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, India. Speaking to ThePrint, Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Goutam Sawang confirmed that at least seven people died due to the chemical leak. It is a flammable liquid that is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex. Visakhapatnam gas leak: What is styrene gas? Hours after the styrene gas leak around 2:30 am on May 7 (Thursday) from the multinational LG Polymers Plant at RR Venkatapuram village, people were seen lying unconscious on sidewalks, near ditches and on the road, raising fears of a major industrial disaster. We will observe the facility for another four hours and give an all clear after a thorough inspection,’’ an official said. The cases are high as the gas leak was only detected at 3 am in the morning, meaning several crucial hours have been lost till safety precautions were taken, and the gas was allowed to spread while people were fast asleep. 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Steps taken by National Green Tribunal. “Vizag Gas Leak”, is a unique major Styrene vapour release incident from a bulk storage tank anywhere in the world. Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Officials have reported that Styrene is the chemical that leaked from the LG Polymers plant in Vizag on Thursday morning. Eight people have died. Officials said that the Covid-19 preparedness helped a lot as dozens of ambulances with oxygen cylinders and ventilators were readily available. The leak occurred as a result of styrene gas not being kept at the appropriate temperature. The Indian Express is now on Telegram. However, EPA notes that there is no sufficiet evidence despite several epidemiology studies indicating there may be an association between styrene exposure and an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma. It is reported as a gas leak, not fire blast, that means it was not the cause. The cause, peanuts and coffee beans is leaked at the Vizag plant is owned by Korean. 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