CINCINNATI (WXIX) – According to the Hamilton County EMA, anyone near US-50 and OH-128 in Whitewater Township is advised to evacuate.
At around 2 p.m., the Hamilton County EMA reported a “dangerous” chemical leak near SR-128.
The chemical was styrene, the Hamilton County EMA said. The toxic and flammable chemical was released into the air, but not by a train derailment, EMA officials said.
The chemical is coming from a tanker truck and the leak is “slowing down,” Miami Township Fire and Rescue Department said around 3:30 p.m.
“GO INSIDE IMMEDIATELY AND STAY INSIDE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. CLOSE AND LOCK DOORS AND WINDOWS, TURN OFF CAMERA DAMPERS AND TURN OFF HEATING,” the EMA posted on X.
The county EMA says people in the evacuation area can go to the Whitewater Township Community Center at 6125 Dry Fork Road for shelter.
Miami Township has opened the Miami Township Hall on South Miami Avenue to evacuees.
The Hamilton County EMA announced at around 3:15 p.m.: “The release valve has closed. We are monitoring it to ensure it remains closed until the all-clear can be given.”
Nick Crossley of the Hamilton County EMA said once the situation is resolved and roads reopen, residents will be able to return home safely.
What is styrene
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, styrene is:
“A colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor and high volatility. Styrene is widely used to make plastics and rubber, which in turn are used to make a variety of products such as insulation, pipes, auto parts, printer cartridges, food containers, and carpet backing.”
Styrene exposure
Contact with styrene can cause health problems.
According to the CDC, the most common health problems affect the nervous system.
Side effects include:
- Changes in colour, vision
- fatigue
- Feeling drunk
- Slower reaction time
- Concentration and balance problems
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