Altivia Chemical began responding to a poisonous gas leak that was coming from its factory in LaPorte, Texas on Monday. 

Eight people were hospitalized on Monday as a result of a chemical leak emergency at the ALTIVIA Chemical Complex in La Porte, which is situated at the intersection of 16th Street and Fairmont Parkway, according to emergency officials.

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A process disruption caused the incident, which resulted in the emission of the colorless gas phosgene, which has an overpowering smell similar to musty hay. Quick action was taken by Altivia Chemical to stop the leak.

All transferred patients, according to the Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo, were discharged from the facility in stable condition. However, as a safety precaution, they were admitted to the hospital.

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Following the off-site release of the toxic gas phosgene, as indicated by community alerts, the city’s emergency management agency has ordered some nearby residents and five nearby facilities—Halliburton’s Multi-Chem Bayport site, Stepan’s Pasadena facility, and properties owned by Kuraray Americas, Evonik, and NCTI—to shelter in place as a precaution.

Situated roughly thirty miles east of Houston, the Office of Emergency Management (LPOEM) in LaPorte has issued a warning to shelter in place until the amount of discharged gas is ascertained. “A chemical emergency has occurred, and residents south of Fairmont between Bay Area and S. 16th Street need to immediately shelter in place,” said a message posted on social media by LPOEM.

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According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, phosgene is a colorless gas that gives off an overpowering smell similar to musty hay. It is used in the manufacturing of a variety of chemicals, insecticides, and medications. Symptoms from phosgene exposure include vomiting, dyspnea, chest pain, and frostbite if the substance is diluted.