On Saturday, December 11, 2021, a transport trailer at Nederland Tank Wash leaked an extremely toxic chemical known as Lubrizol 1389. The incident started Saturday afternoon, but residents of Nederland, Texas, a small town just south of Beaumont, weren’t informed of the chemical leak until Sunday. The City of Nederland warned residents and neighboring cities to avoid the area and stay inside their homes. Unfortunately, many Nederland residents had already suffered the side effects by then.
The biggest concern is the gas produced by Lubrizol 1389, hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide is an extremely rapidly acting, highly toxic, colorless gas with a rotten-egg odor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) states that hydrogen sulfide can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. As the chemical exposure progresses, victims can experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, coughing, difficulty breathing, lung hemorrhage, unconsciousness, and even death. Brain and heart damage have been documented as long-term effects of hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for hydrogen sulfide poisoning.
The City of Nederland air monitoring report detected small concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the community’s air. However, symptoms can manifest even at low concentration levels. Concerns grew as city officials announced it could take several days for the chemical to clear the area.
The CDC recommends that anyone developing any signs or symptoms within 24 hours of chemical exposure contact a doctor or the Emergency Department.
The City of Nederland has set up a special citizens helpline for citizens to request updates, 888-442-4206.
Although on a smaller scale, this incident is similar to the Lubrizol Plant Chemical Leak earlier this year and can be just as horrifying and traumatic. A thorough investigation is required to determine fault and liability for the chemical leak.
If you or a loved one are suffering any symptoms and illnesses due to the Nederland Chemical Leak that occurred on Saturday, December 11, 2021, you need a chemical leak lawyer who can help guide you.
Contact the Potts Law Firm for a free initial consultation from a chemical leak lawyer by calling (888) 902-6245 or emailing us at [email protected].