Chemical Leak Raises Questions About Residue and Food Safety

After my indignation at the use of the nuclear plant picture (see post below) dissipated, I did a little research on that Indspec chemical leak in Petrolia, Pennsylvania. It reminded me of a chemical spill and evacuation I lived through while managing community and media relations for a Rohm and Haas chemical plant in Louisville.

We had a large spill of ethyl acrylate while unloading a railcar. It doesn't take much for the odor to be overwhelming. Unfortunately, the ventilation system at a nearby school took in the tainted air before anyone was able to advise plant neighbors to shelter in place. The smell inside and the rain outside led to the evacuation of the elementary school to a high school.

I read that authorities in Petrolia are advising residents not to eat any vegetables from their gardens. I can't find the company's reaction to this warning. But when one of our neighboring plants had a fire that rained soot onto nearby neighbors' gardens, our plant manager at the time said if it had been him, he would have bought a truckload of produce and distributed through the neighborhood. Perhaps the size of the evacuation zone in Petrolia precludes such action, but it's the right idea. The company needs to find ways to make things right again with the community.

After the aforementioned Rohm and Haas spill, a similar question arose from the evacuated elementary school. We told them to throw away all the food in the cafeteria, and the company reimbursed the school district. We also paid overtime for cafeteria employees to scrub all the dishes and cooking utensils before lunchtime the next day. Again, we knew that the quantity of ethyl acrylate that got into the school wasn't a hazard to anyone. But we also realized that any child or staff member who fell ill to the flu, stomach cramps, headaches, asthma, or a runny nose could blame Rohm and Haas and the spill for whatever maladies they suffered during the next several days. We wisely did all we could to avoid negative perceptions.

So that's what I would tell you, Indspec. Be ready to spend some money to reimburse people who lost food or other possessions as a result of your leak. Failure to do so will leave you looking like an irresponsible, uncaring neighbor. Then get ready for the class action and individual legal suits to follow.

By the way, that Rohm and Haas spill resulted in 10 people being treated at a hospital and forced the evacuation of about 500 young children whose parents expected them to be kept safe in school. Not one single lawsuit was filed. The environmental reporter for The Courier-Journal back then told me later, "Only Rohm and Haas could have forced the evacuation of a school and come out smelling like a rose." Indspec, how are you smelling so far?