Chemical leak at dyeing unit leaves 50 people with breathing difficulties in Salem

A chemical leak at a dyeing unit in Gugai, Salem, on Tuesday night exposed over 50 individuals, including workers and residents, to eye irritation and breathing difficulties. The dyeing unit, operated by Mr. Badrinathan, is situated on Muniyappan Kovil Street in Ward 47 of the Salem Corporation. At the time of the incident, more than ten workers were engaged in the process of dyeing textile yarn.

The leak was discovered when the workers noticed it while mixing hydrochloric acid, a common component in the dyeing procedure. Upon sensing the leak, the workers swiftly evacuated the unit due to breathing problems. Given that the unit is located in a residential area, inhabitants of nearby houses were also affected by the fumes.

They reported experiencing eye irritation and shortness of breath, prompting them to notify the Fire and Rescue Services. A team from the Shevapet Fire and Rescue Services station promptly arrived at the scene, entered the dyeing room, and initiated measures to contain the leak. Firefighters employed water spraying techniques to mitigate the issue, and they managed to bring the situation under control within 30 minutes.

The Shevapet police also conducted an inquiry at the location. Residents expressed their concern, alleging that chemical leaks from the unit had occurred previously, causing inconvenience to the nearby residents. The police are currently investigating whether the dyeing unit possesses the necessary permissions from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and how the hydrochloric acid leak occurred from the dyeing room.