An ammonia leak at a Bay City plant sent about 10 people to hospitals on Friday afternoon. The leak was reported around 1 p.m. at the Roehm USA facility and was caused by a PSV valve failure on a brine chiller, according to the Matagorda County Office of Emergency Management. Emergency crews responded, and two ambulances transported those affected. No additional transports were needed, as mentioned by KHOU.
The Matagorda County Office of Emergency Management stated there was no danger to the public, but those nearby were affected. Roehm USA confirmed, "The release has been fully contained, and there was no threat to the community." The company also reported that "10 individuals" were hospitalized due to exposure, as reported by Click2Houston.
Ammonia exposure can cause serious health effects, including respiratory distress and eye damage, even at low concentrations. Following an ammonia release, Roehm USA, a company specializing in methacrylate chemistry, is under review for its safety protocols, as per KHOU. OQ and Roehm personnel responded quickly to contain the situation. Roehm stated, "We are currently actively assessing the situation" and is cooperating with local authorities. The community is monitoring developments for further updates, as stated by Click2Houston.
