FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Contact: Hannah Lee Flath, hannahlee.flath@sierraclub.org, 860-634-0225
La Salle, IL -- Today, an explosion occurred and an extra-alarm fire broke out at the Carus Chemical plant in La Salle, a southwest suburb of Chicago. The Carus Chemical plant is a manufacturer that, according to public records, holds or releases a variety of toxic materials, including: sulfuric acid, lead, and mercury compounds. As first responders work to control the fire and assess the damage in the wake of this disaster, it is critical to note that smoke from the fire can contain harmful acids and metals.
Local authorities have called for area residents to avoid contact with an airborne green oxidant which was released into the air following the explosion and subsequent fire. The oxidant is a corrosive chemical that is harmful if touched or inhaled. People in the area should follow advice about sheltering in place, and also remain indoors if they are outside of the warning zone but notice odors or smoke in their immediate vicinity.
In response, Sierra Club Illinois Director Jack Darin and Sierra Club Senior Toxics Advisor Sonya Lunder released the following statement:
“Our thoughts are with the nearby communities, chemical plant workers, and first responders who have been exposed to these harmful chemicals. Incidents like the explosion and subsequent fire at the Carus Chemical plant serve as a stark reminder that people living near these facilities continue to be in harm’s way during both normal processes and emergencies.
“As the La Salle community deals with the aftermath of this fire, Sierra Club and environmental justice partners are pushing for stronger rules that make these types of emergencies less common and less harmful for the people who live in proximity to chemical plants.
“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to strengthen its Risk Management Plan rules for chemical facilities, and as the Biden Administration revisits these rules, they should bolster efforts to prevent fires and explosions, expand the universe of regulated facilities, require better fire suppression systems, and generally work to make these incidents less harmful.