Hazardous Chemical Leak at Dordrecht Factory: 45kg of Tetrafluorethylene Escapes
In an overnight incident at a Chemours factory in Dordrecht, approximately 45 kilograms of tetrafluorethylene (TFE), a highly hazardous substance (ZZS), leaked due to a pipeline rupture. The DCMR Environmental Service Rijnmond reported the incident.
TFE is a chemical used in the production of Teflon, a substance commonly used as a non-stick coating in cookware. However, it is classified as a potential carcinogen.
Pipeline Breakage
The leak occurred due to a fracture in the so-called break plates, which are meant to protect the pipeline. The exact cause of the break is still under investigation.
Immediately following the incident, the pipeline was taken out of operation. Today, the company is conducting an investigation into the cause of the incident and will install a new break plate, as reported by DCMR.
Highly Hazardous Substances
ZZS are substances that pose a significant risk to humans and the environment. They can hinder reproduction, cause cancer, or accumulate in the food chain, according to the RIVM. The government’s policy aims to eliminate these substances from our living environment.