17 hospitalized due to chemical leak in Laguna

LUCENA CITY — At least 17 people were hospitalized after inhaling a suspected chlorine chemical that accidentally leaked in Cabuyao City, Laguna on Tuesday, Aug. 20, police reported on Wednesday.

The leak occurred around 2 p.m. when workers in a junk shop in Barangay Banaybanay were cleaning the place and moved a cylinder tank, producing a strong and toxic odor, the Region 4A police said.

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The unbearable odor caused dizziness and difficulty in breathing for 17 people in the vicinity. They were taken to a nearby hospital for immediate medical treatment.

Initial investigation indicated that the leakage was “suspected to be a chlorine-based chemical due to its yellowish-green appearance.”

Chlorine is a chemical element commonly used in industry and present in some household products identifiable by its strong, irritating odor.

When released into the air, chlorine exposure can cause difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and other adverse health effects.